Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Watch Your Pets for Heat Stroke


Photo from www.pet360.com

The temps have been staying steadily above 90º here in the Midwest and above 100º in the southwest and even in the northwest.  My husband and I were at the Good Guys Car Show in Des Moines on July 5th and we saw a couple walking two small rat terriers that were obviously over heated.  I decided to write this blog on the signs of heat stroke in pets and how to treat it. 
 
The key to saving a pet suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion is immediate treatment.  Pets do die from being over heated.  If you are going to take your pet out on hot days like this, please keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get over heated.

Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to):
 
  • Excessive or exaggerated panting
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Drooling
  • High fever
  • Dark red gums
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Unresponsiveness to commands and surroundings
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse
  • Staring/anxious expression
  • Warm/dry skin

photo from pitbullmixed.com


If you suspect that your pet is over heated, take them immediately inside to an air conditioned room or in front of a fan or if you can’t get indoors to a shady spot.  It is important to remove them from the source of the heat immediately.

Cool them down by pouring cool water over their head and body.  You could also use a garden hose by gently spraying them with water.  Put your pet in front of a fan and spread their fur with your fingers to help cool them.
 



When they come around give them a small amount of water to drink.  If you have it you could also give them a pediatric electrolyte solution.

Call the emergency vet for assistance.  If your dog is not coming around immediately take them to a vet or emergency vet clinic.  After your pet is recovered you should still visit your vet for a checkup just to make sure there isn’t any internal damage.


 

Remember to keep calm as you are treating your pet.  If you are panicking your pet will feel that and will be stressed out even more.

Remember during these hot summer days not to leave your pet in a parked car.  Even with the windows cracked and parked in the shade the inside temperature can get to 90º on a 70º day.  On a 90º+ day, even with the windows cracked, the inside temperature can get to 150º+. 
 



Also, if you have an outside dog, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and plenty of shade.  Especially if your dog has a thick coat of fur or is used to northern climates.  Black pets are also in more danger because dark colors absorb heat.

Breeds of dogs and cats with short snouts will be more prone to heat stroke because they have a more difficult time breathing.  You want to be especially aware of heat stroke in breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats.

Remember that dogs cannot sweat like we do.  They do sweat through their paws and pant to release excess body heat.  Cats sweat through their paws also and groom themselves to help keep cool.  The grooming wets their fur and cools the cat as it evaporates.  If you notice your cat panting, they are too hot and it is time to take them inside to cool off.

Photo from lifewithchcats.com
 

Best rule of thumb, if it’s too hot for you to be outside, it’s too hot for your pet to be outside.  Keep your pet inside or in a shady spot with plenty of fresh water to help keep them cool.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri

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