Behaviour
Heatstroke
When temperatures begin to soar, a common issue that all pet owners should be aware of is heatstroke (also known as heat stress). With the heat of the summer months, the number of cats and dogs visiting us due to this condition rises. Brachycephalic breeds are particularly susceptible as temperatures rise. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not realise that their cats and dogs can overheat when the weather is hot and may only seek treatment at the eleventh hour.
Cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way that us humans do. We have sweat glands all over our bodies that help us regulate our temperature, but dogs and cats only have a few in their feet and around their noses. Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to lose heat. Their long, thick coats can also predispose them to heat stroke.
Because they are not able to cool themselves down as easily as us, we must ensure we take steps to help them to do this (see our tips below).Pets are very susceptible to heat stroke – and it can happen a lot faster than you may think.
Heatstroke is a very serious, life threatening condition: it can cause damage to your pet’s internal organs, sometimes to the point where they stop functioning and can be rapidly fatal – it requires urgent treatment!
Cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way that us humans do. We have sweat glands all over our bodies that help us regulate our temperature, but dogs and cats only have a few in their feet and around their noses. Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to lose heat. Their long, thick coats can also predispose them to heat stroke.
Because they are not able to cool themselves down as easily as us, we must ensure we take steps to help them to do this (see our tips below).Pets are very susceptible to heat stroke – and it can happen a lot faster than you may think.
Heatstroke is a very serious, life threatening condition: it can cause damage to your pet’s internal organs, sometimes to the point where they stop functioning and can be rapidly fatal – it requires urgent treatment!
Top tips for preventing heatstroke in your pet
- Make sure they have access to a cool, well-ventilated space. Good ventilation is critical because many animals lose heat by panting (evaporative cooling) which relies on good air flow. Outdoor pets should always have access to shade.
- All pets should always have access to plenty of fresh clean drinking water.
- Never leave your pet in a car as temperatures inside rise extremely quickly, even on mild days and can kill pets rapidly.
- Avoid exercising animals in hot weather.
- Avoid hot sand, concrete, asphalt areas or any other areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
Signs your pet may be in heat distress
- Panting (this increases as heatstroke progresses)
- Drooling, salivating
- Agitation, restlessness
- Very red or pale gums
- Bright red tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting/diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
- Breathing distress
- Signs of confusion or delirium
- Dizziness, staggering
- lethargy, weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Collapsing and lysing down
- Little to no urine production
- Coma
What to do if you suspect your pet has heatstroke
It is always a good idea to know how to do emergency first aid at home if you suspect your pet has heatstroke. Initial emergency treatment at home should aim to normalise body temperature.
Remove your pet from the hot environment immediately
Apply or spray tepid / cool water onto your pet’s fur or skin (don’t use ice cold water or ice as this can worsen the problem). Then try a fan or fanning to maximise heat loss.
Wetting down the area around your pet can also help
Contact Langford Vet Practice immediately to arrange to bring your pet in!
Heatstroke is an emergency - always make sure you see a vet. Even if your pet looks like they may be recovering, or you suspect they might have heatstroke they should still always be checked by a vet.
With the right measures in place and the proper precautions taken, there is no reason why you and your pets can’t safely enjoy the summer weather together (while it lasts).
It is always a good idea to know how to do emergency first aid at home if you suspect your pet has heatstroke. Initial emergency treatment at home should aim to normalise body temperature.
Remove your pet from the hot environment immediately
Apply or spray tepid / cool water onto your pet’s fur or skin (don’t use ice cold water or ice as this can worsen the problem). Then try a fan or fanning to maximise heat loss.
Wetting down the area around your pet can also help
Contact Langford Vet Practice immediately to arrange to bring your pet in!
Heatstroke is an emergency - always make sure you see a vet. Even if your pet looks like they may be recovering, or you suspect they might have heatstroke they should still always be checked by a vet.
With the right measures in place and the proper precautions taken, there is no reason why you and your pets can’t safely enjoy the summer weather together (while it lasts).
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