HOW CAN I PREVENT HEATSTROKE IN MY PET?
** REMEMBER DOGS REGULATE AT 102. IF YOU ARE HOT THEY ARE OVER HEATED!! Avoid exercising in hot weather and avoid sand, concrete, and asphalt! **
After a long, cold winter, you’re likely ready to head outdoors for some fun in the sun. But, your adventure may be cut short if your pet develops heatstroke. Know common signs of heatstroke and take preventive measures to keep your pet cool through the dog days of summer.
What is heatstroke in pets?
Heatstroke, also known as overheating or heat exhaustion, occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises above the normal range of 100 to 102.2 degrees. Dogs and cats have few sweat glands and cannot cool off by sweating like humans, so they overheat more easily. Pets mainly cool off by panting, as moisture evaporation from the oral cavity helps lower body temperature. Heatstroke most commonly occurs when pets are left outside on hot days, but also can develop if:
- There is high humidity, even if the temperature is lower
- Your pet doesn’t take breaks from playing to cool off
- Your pet doesn’t have adequate access to water in warm temperatures
- Your pet is left in a closed-up house on a hot day with no ventilation or air conditioning
- Your pet is left inside a car, even if it does not seem hot outside
Heatstroke is a dangerous health condition that can cause death if warning signs are not recognized immediately.
What are heatstroke signs in pets?
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, with or without blood
- Weakness
- Incoordination or stumbling
- Sudden collapse
- Seizures
Are some animals more likely to develop heatstroke than others?
Any animal can develop heatstroke, but brachycephalic breeds that have short muzzles, such as bulldogs and pugs, are more at risk because they are less efficient at eliminating heat by panting. Puppies, overweight pets, elderly animals, and those with heart and lung disease also have an increased risk. These pets should never be left outside in the heat and should stay indoors with air conditioning during the summer.
What should I do if my pet shows heatstroke signs?
If your pet exhibits mild heatstroke signs, such as panting or vomiting, take them inside and offer a drink of cool—not cold—water. Do not put ice cubes in their water dish! Take their rectal temperature with a digital thermometer; if it is above 102.2 degrees, cover them in towels soaked in lukewarm water. You also can wipe rubbing alcohol on their paw pads.
Take care to cool your pet down gradually—don’t place them into cold water or put cold water on them, as this can cause dangerous blood pressure changes.
Your pet’s body temperature should decrease, and they should begin to improve in 10 minutes. Stop cooling them when their body temperature reaches 102.5 degrees to prevent them from becoming too cold, as their temperature will continue to drop.
If your pet’s condition does not improve in 10 minutes, take them to the nearest veterinarian immediately for advanced support, such as intravenous fluids, blood pressure maintenance, or other medications.
Ways to prevent heatstroke
Consider the possibility of heatstroke any time the temperature is above 80 degrees or humidity is high, and take these precautions to keep your pet cool:
- Never leave your pet unsupervised outside on hot days. While you are away, keep your pet indoors with air conditioning.
- While outside, ensure your pet has access to fresh water, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight.
- Take your daily walk or jog in the morning, before temperatures reach dangerous levels.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Heat quickly builds to deadly levels in a closed car, even on sunny days that aren’t hot.
On hot days, keep brachycephalic breeds, elderly and obese pets, and those with heart or lung disease inside your air-conditioned home except for short outdoor bathroom breaks.
From our Vet Tech, Nicole Smith.
