dogs, cats, and heatstroke

Heatstroke is a common danger for dogs and cats because they cannot cool down by sweating the way humans do. Dogs will continue to overexert themselves when playing and exercising. As responsible pet owners, it's our obligation to help keep them cool.

In heat and high humidity, play time can quickly turn to heatstroke. Heatstroke can occur in all pets but is seen most often in out of shape pets, pets that are unaccustomed to the heat and short-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Pekingese.

Be mindful of hot surfaces such as patios, decks, sidewalks, etc, and potential for paw damage. When temperatures are high, avoid walking dogs on these hot surfaces. As a general rule, if you cannot tolerate the back of your hand on the surface for 5-10 seconds, then it's too hot for your pet to walk on.

Follow these tips to help prevent overexertion and heatstroke in pets:

• Play and exercise in early morning and late evening
• Avoid exposure to the midday heat
• Wet your pet's coat
• Offer cool (but not iced) drinking water
• Do NOT leave your pet in an unattended vehicle

Leaving or confining your dog or cat in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger their health or well-being could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal. Don't take that chance! 

Even though you are taking every precaution to keep your pet(s) cool, there are certain breeds that are simply more susceptible to overexertion and heatstroke. 

So keep your eyes peeled for the following signs of overheating:

• Body temperature above 104%
• Excessive panting
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Staggering
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting

If you notice these signs, or suspect heatstroke in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately! A dog or cat can suffer permanent damage or death in a very short time when left in a parked vehicle. NEVER leave animals in cars unattended, not just when conditions are hot. Even in cool conditions, car temperatures can be higher than expected. The heat-related death of a beloved pet is a tragic, completely preventable situation. There are no statistics on how many dogs die every year from heat exposure, because the majority of cases go unreported.

Give us a call to make an appointment for your pet and let our front desk staff know if it is an emergency situation.

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