The dog’s body temperature rises rapidly under this condition, and brain damage (including death) may occur rapidly. Overheating may also occur if you take your dog for a long run in hot, humid weather, especially if he is not acclimated to such conditions.
One of the following homeopathic medicines may help combat the potential damage from overheating. These are uncommon but may occur if an animal is tied or otherwise restrained in the sun or in a hot space such as a car. Of course, these situations are best avoided rather than treated, and you should never leave an animal in a parked car in the sun. Even with the windows open, the car will quickly overheat.
The mucous membranes and skin become deep red as the body shifts circulation to superficial areas to increase heat loss. Nausea, dizziness, and weakness quickly ensue if the body temperature does not drop. Cats and dogs do not normally sweat as humans and horses do, so the only mechanism for rapid heat reduction is panting. Overheated animals immediately begin panting, sometimes intensely. At this time the skin may become cool and the animal is usually faint or may lose consciousness. Furthermore, continued high temperature may impair the temperature regulating center in the brain. This may limit the ability to cool the body, greatly increasing the danger.
Rinsing or immersion in cool water is the most effective method to bring the body temperatures, and this can dramatically increase body heat, especially in conjunction with the first reaction. Overheating is an emergency situation. Veterinary care is best but time is critical, as brain damage may occur in a very few minutes. Rapid cooling is necessary to avoid damage.
Aconitum napellus
There is congestion to the head, which may cause a headache and nausea. There may be hemorrhage from the nose.Consider this remedy first, just as the condition begins to appear. Anxiety is usually strong when this remedy is needed. These animals will be quite restless and fearful.
Belladonna
The restlessness here is more violent compared to the anxious quality of the Aconite restlessness. The Belladonna state is more intense than that of Aconite in that these animals have greater physical changes. The ears and gums are usually intensely red, the pupils may be dilated, and the dog is generally agitated.
Gelsemium
This is a typical heat exhaustion sign. This remedy is especially known for weakness. These patients will become weak and dizzy, possibly to the point of collapse. Their muscles often tremble from the weakness. They may alternate between flushes of heat and cold, clammy skin.
Glonoinum
This is the classic sunstroke remedy. The animal’s ears and gums may alternate between paleness and redness, possibly with a bluish cast. The jaws may clench together.
The heart often pounds violently. These patients develop a pounding headache with weakness and irritability from overexposure to sun.
Natrum carbonicum
There is generally great debility and exhaustion from heat and exposure to the sun. This remedy may be more effective for animals who become sick due to over sensitiveness to sun heat rather than who have truly become overheated. These patients are constitutionally averse to the sun.
Selenium
This mineral is necessary for muscle function and strength. Similarly, the homeopathic remedy made from the mineral is useful for weakness and debility. Any heat increases this debility. As with Natrum carbonicum, this remedy is especially useful in animals who are extremely sensitive to overheating. Selenium is often indicated in older animals.
Veratrum viride
When veratrum viride (not to be confused with Veratrum album) is needed, there are often strong muscles twitches, possibly accompanied by severe vomiting. The animal then may suddenly become weak and may even collapse. This remedy, like Glonoine, is indicated in very violent conditions. If your companion suffers from violent congestion and furious delirium as a result of sunstroke, one of these two remedies is probably needed, although Belladonna should also be considered.
