On hot summer days it is important to remember our pets and their sensitivity to heat. Heat stroke is a very serious and often fatal condition that occurs when an animal’s cooling mechanisms cannot keep up, and the body temperature elevates beyond 105-106 degrees.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs
• Panting.
• Dehydration.
• Excessive drooling
• Increased body temperature – above 103° F
• Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body.
• Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine.
• Sudden (acute) kidney failure.
• Rapid heart rate.
Signs of heat stroke in cats
• Rapid pulse and breathing
• Redness of the tongue and mouth
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Stumbling, staggering gait
• Rectal temperature is over 105° F
If your pet is displaying any signs of heatstroke, you need to call your veterinarian immediately. On the way to the veterinary clinic, pet owners can help by applying isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on the foot pads. Animals should not be immersed in ice or ice-cold water. Cooling a hyperthermic animal too quickly can cause its blood vessels to constrict which will make it harder to cool down and can be fatal.
Prevention tip- Try to limit your pets exercise during the hottest part of the day, exercise in the cool early morning hours. Be cautious of outside surfaces such as concrete or asphalt as these surfaces can be dangerously hot for your pets feet.
Prevention tip- Provide your pet with shade and fresh clean water at all times.
Prevention tip- Never leave an animal in a car when it is warmer than 60 degrees outside, even if only for a few minutes.