It’s just a fact that sunshine is ubiquitous in southern California. While our perfect weather inspires activity and adventure, it’s not always safe for our pets. It’s also crucial to know the warning signs of heatstroke and the ways to stabilize a pet’s rising internal temperature.
Warning Signs of Pet Heatstroke
The act of panting aims to cool an animal down by evaporating water from the nose and lungs. This, when paired with sweating from the paw pads, can help to regulate a pet’s internal body temperature, but when it’s too warm and sunny (and a pet is working too hard), dehydration and heatstroke can quickly threaten a pet’s health.
Hyperthermia, or overheating, is characterized by the following signs:
- Dry nose
- Uncontrollable or excessive panting (especially without exertion)
- Drooling
- Fever
- Lethargy or agitation
- Dizziness
- Racing pulse
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Muscle tremors
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Simply being outside without little to no shade or air circulation can cause the above symptoms, and are certainly made worse without adequate drinking water. Without quick intervention, heatstroke in pets can lead to seizures, collapse, and death. We can help your pet through this medical emergency, or provide guidance on transporting them to an emergency hospital.
Cooling Down an Overheated Pet
The best strategy for pet heatstroke is to avoid it altogether.
- Exercise your pet when the temperatures are at their coolest, or dawn and dusk.
- Always provide fresh, cool water for them, encourage rest breaks in the shade, and opt for some playtime in the water if their swimming skills are strong.
- Avoid hot surfaces like asphalt, sand, or pavement. Green grass is always better in the summer.
- Never leave your pet alone inside a parked car. Even if you park in the shade and crack the windows, interior temperatures can soar over 100-degrees in little time.
First Aid for Pets with Heatstroke
If you know or suspect your pet has had too much exposure to the heat and is showing signs of dehydration, it’s crucial to bring their temperature down slowly.
- Move them to a cool, dark place with excellent air flow (employ more than one fan if necessary for cross-ventilation).
- Apply lukewarm compresses to their belly, back, groin, neck, and armpits.
- Offer them small, consistent sips of water. A temperature above 103 degrees means your pet is still dangerously hot.
Pet Summer Safety
Pet water fountains can inspire a pet to drink more water, but pet owners can also make a variety of pet popsicles to cool their pets down, or add moisture-rich foods to their diet. Invest in a kiddie pool to play in at home, and bring your pet swimming if they have been trained.
Your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital want you and your pet to make many happy memories together this summer. If we can support you in this goal, please give us a call at (818) 614-9929.