Keep Your Pets Safe from Heat Stroke and Summer Hazards
Temperatures are on the rise this July in South Central Pennsylvania. Pets may be prone to heat stroke and other heat related issues. What can you do to protect your pets?
Dogs and cats lose heat primarily by panting since they lack sweat glands. Pets overheat quickly especially if they have underlying health conditions such as respiratory issues like laryngeal paralysis or asthma, if they are obese or if they are very young or very old. Breeds with short noses like bulldogs or Persian cats or breeds with long, thick coats such as the Great Pyrenees are also at increased risk for heat stroke. It doesn’t even necessarily need to be that hot outside if the pet is undergoing physical exertion and cannot cool down or if they are confined in a hot space such as a car without adequate ventilation. Working or hunting dogs may be at risk if overworked on hot days.
Early symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, confusion/dazed appearance, staggering and rapid heart rate. As the body temperature continues to climb, more serious signs can occur: vomiting and diarrhea, loss of consciousness, seizures, bright red gums and kidney and liver damage.
Cats are less susceptible to heat stroke but they CAN overheat, especially if trapped in a hot space like a shed or attic without water, in a hot car or in a clothes dryer. Cats have similar symptoms such as open mouth breathing/panting, drooling, vomiting, disorientation and restlessness.
What should you do if you suspect your pet is experiencing heat stroke? You need to cool your pet down, but be careful not to drop his temp too rapidly—DON’T use ice packs or feed your pet ice. DO offer water if the pet is conscious, not vomiting and willing to drink but DON’T force pets to drink. DO wet your pet with tepid water or place wet towels against the belly and groin areas. DO move to a cool, shady place or indoors with a fan or air conditioner. GET TO A VET as soon as you can. Have windows down or the air conditioner on to keep your pet cool on the ride. It’s best to get your pet checked since sustained high body temperatures could lead to serious consequences like organ failure.
How can you prevent heat stroke? Exercise pets early in the morning or late at night when temperatures drop, make sure pets have plenty of access to fresh cold water, limit heavy activity during hot weather, provide shade and make sure cats are not trapped in sheds, barns, etc. without access to water. And, of course, it should go without saying, NEVER, EVER, EVER, leave a pet in a parked car in warm weather.
We hope you have fun this summer, but keep these potential hazards in mind and be sure to use caution to keep your pets safe this summer!
This Blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/heat-exhaustion-in-dogs
https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/what-you-should-know-about-heat-stroke-in-cats
425 E Broadway
Red Lion, PA 17356