Similar to us, even our furry companions tend to overheat when the weather is hot. They can’t always move to cooler places or avoid the sun and don’t sweat like we do, which could help them cool down and regulate their body temperatures. This makes them vulnerable to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition where the pet’s body temperature can increase and lead to organ failure and even death. Therefore, if you are a pet parent, it is important that you remain on your toes during the summer months to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being. In this blog, we will discuss in detail how to prevent heatstroke in pets. Read on to find out more.
Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke in Pets
The early signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats include the following. However, it is important to note that the signs are subtler in cats.
- Panting
- Drooling
- Restlessness or agitation to seek shade or water
- Increase in heart rate
- Red gums or tongue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Advanced stages of heatstroke in pets include the following.
- Lethargy
- Weakness, leading to collapse
- Seizures
- Confusion
Tips for Preventing Heatstroke in Pets
Let’s take a look at some safety measures to help you prevent heatstroke in pets.
- When the weather is hot outside, limit your pet’s outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late in the evening.
- When your pet is at home, make sure to provide it with access to fresh drinking water and a place to rest. If your pet tends to spend time outdoors, you must offer it access to a shaded area.
- At no point should you leave your pet unattended in cars, as temperatures inside can increase rapidly.
- When the temperature gets extremely high, make sure to keep your pets indoors, with an air conditioner or fan on to keep their body temperature regulated.
- During the summer, avoid providing your pet strenuous exercise. Also, prevent it from walking on hot pavements as it can increase heat absorption and burn its paws.
- Do not shave your pet’s fur during summer, as their fur helps regulate temperature. Just conduct regular grooming.
- When the temperature is hot outside, always look out for signs of overheating such as excessive panting, distressed behavior, red gums or collapse. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect heatstroke.
- Be extra careful if your pet belongs to a flat-faced or a thick-coated breed, as they are more vulnerable to getting heatstroke.
Emergency Actions if Your Pet is Overheated
If you feel that your furry companion is overheating, you should act promptly, as heatstroke can escalate quickly into an emergency situation. The following tips will help you ensure your pet’s safety if it gets overheated.
- Take your pet to a cool and well-ventilated place. Otherwise, use an air conditioner to cool it down.
- Offer your pet small sips of fresh water.
- If your pet is young and healthy, try cooling it by wetting its paws, belly and neck with cool water.
- Try using a fan to help with evaporative cooling. You can also apply damp towels if available.
- Monitor your pet closely and do not leave it unattended during the cooling process.
- Avoid using ice, ice water, or rubbing alcohol for cooling, as these can cause harm.
- If possible, measure your pet’s rectal temperature and stop cooling when it reaches about 103ºF (39.4ºC) so as to prevent hypothermia.
- Take your pet promptly to a veterinary clinic for further treatment.
Tips to Ensure Your Pet’s Safety During Walks and Outdoor Activities
Let’s discuss some safety tips that will help you ensure your pet’s safety during outdoor walks and activities in summer.
- Check the temperature of the pavement or ground surfaces with your hand before walking your pet. Also, avoid hot asphalt or concrete walkways that can burn your pet’s paws.
- While taking your pet for an outdoor walk or activities, carry plenty of fresh water and a portable bowl to ensure water breaks regularly and keep your pet hydrated.
- Keep your pet on a leash and stick to shaded paths or grassy areas to help them stay cool and protect their delicate paws.
- You may consider using protective measures like paw protection boots if walking on surfaces that heat up easily.
- After your pet is done with its walk, provide fresh water and a cool place for it to rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are some pets more vulnerable to heatstroke than others?
Brachycephalic breeds (breeds with pushed-in faces), thick-coated animals, older pets and those with health conditions have a higher heatstroke risk than others.
- When should I seek emergency veterinary care for overheating?
You should seek emergency veterinary care for your pet if it shows signs like bright red or pale gums, difficulty breathing, disorientation, collapse, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea or a body temperature above 104°F (40°C).
- Can grooming affect heatstroke risk?
Regular grooming helps prevent heatstroke, especially for long-haired pets. However, avoid shaving them completely during summer since their fur provides them with cooling air pockets.
- How do I keep my pet hydrated and cool during summer?
To keep your pet hydrated and cool during summer, provide it with fresh, cool water throughout the day and preferably some frozen treats. Ensure your pet has access to air-conditioned or well-ventilated indoor spaces as well.
- What if I suspect that my pet is suffering from heatstroke?
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary care immediately. Cooling mats or water can help temporarily, but professional treatment is crucial.
Parting Words
Preventing heatstroke in pets is crucial for their health and well-being, especially during hot weather. Always remain vigilant for signs of heatstroke in pets. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect heatstroke. By remaining on your toes and taking the above-mentioned precautionary steps, you will help keep your pet safe, comfortable, and healthy during the hot weather.