How to Protect Your Pet from Heatstroke This Summer: Australia’s summer temperatures can be brutal for everyone, including our pets. Just as you seek a more fabulous place when the temperatures soar, it’s essential to remember your pets and ensure they’ve a cool spot to retreat. Dogs are particularly susceptible to overheating because they often accompany us on walks and in the car. In contrast, cats and other pets tend to be content to lie around until the weather cools down.
Heat stroke can be just as life-threatening for pets as it is for humans. Here are the common signs of heat stroke and some tips to keep your pets cool.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than a cure, so if your pet is outdoors, ensure they have access to plenty of shade and cool, fresh water to drink. Use water containers that can’t easily be knocked over, and place them in different places around the yard in the shade.
Dogs love their walks, but don’t take them out in the heat of the day. Walking early in the morning or later in the evening is cooler and more comfortable for you and your dog. If your dog loves a ride in the car, take them with you when you stop and get out. Never leave any animal inside a parked car for any duration, even with the windows down. Temperatures inside vehicles can quickly rise to 50 degrees or higher. If you can’t take your pet out of the car, then leave them at home. It’s not worth risking their life.
Other causes of heat stroke
A dog may suffer from heat stroke if it is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period, engages in strenuous physical activity in very hot outdoor conditions, or is left in direct sunlight without access to shade or water. Even though it doesn’t appear excessively hot or humid outdoors, dogs might get into trouble if they become too enthusiastic or move too much. This is particularly the case if canines are confined in an area with poor ventilation, such as a dog home.
Pugs, boxers, and bulldogs, who all have respiratory difficulties, are at a higher risk. Even when the weather is mild, these canines can develop heat stroke symptoms.
Signs of Heat Stroke
If you suspect your pet may be overheated, check for these symptoms and get to your vet clinic immediately if one or more are present:
- Excessive panting and lethargy
- Trouble breathing
- Obvious distress
- Increased heart rate
- Very dark or very pale gums
- Staggering and confusion
- Drooling and restlessness
- Vomiting
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Collapse
Treatment
Heat stroke occurs when your pet can no longer dissipate excess body heat, so it’s essential to try to cool them down by moving them inside with the air conditioner or into the shade with access to water.
If your veterinarian is nearby, turn your car’s air conditioning on and position your pet next to a vent while you drive there. You can also spray them with cool water, leave a fan on and try to get them to drink plenty of fluids.
Extreme Heat
Heat stroke can cause organ failure and death, so be vigilant in extreme heat and provide a cool place for your pet. Even a mild heat stroke can cause damage, so get your pet to the vet for treatment, even if they seem to be recovering.
Animal Hospital Port Kennedy
Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priority, so if you suspect heat stroke or if something doesn’t seem right, bring your pet to Port Kennedy Vets for a check-up as soon as possible. We’re open every day of the week. Call 08 9524 6644 or contact us online for any enquiries or health concerns regarding your pet. Our wellness programs make pet care easier, and with affordable monthly payments, they’re an investment in the health and well-being of your beloved pet.
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