Exercise‐induced heat stress in the working dog: Field analysis and treatment

Abstract This case provides an understanding of changes in core temperature, rectal temperature and blood values in dogs exercising in elevated ambient temperatures. It also presents these changes in a dog that experienced a critical level of hyperthermia. Six labrador retrievers participated in an exercise trial, running two miles in 20 minutes, where core temperature, blood chemistries and complete blood cell counts were collected over time. As one of the dogs began to overheat, the exercises immediately stopped. Next, the team began procedures to cool the dog and continued until it appeared no longer experiencing heat‐related illness. Due to their quick response, the dog was cooled within a short time period. After monitoring for 3 days, it returned to work without further incidence. This case concludes that immediate cooling for dogs facing potential heat‐related illness events can provide better outcomes.