Heat Stroke in the Dog Days of Summer

Heat Stroke in the Dog Days of Summer

by Brittany - Head Receptionist, Bellalago Veterinary Hospital

BrittanyEvery year we all dread that moment we walk outside and summer has hit. We leave the comfort of our AC and step out into a wave of heat and humidity that is not only uncomfortable but dangerous to both us and our pets. Our pet’s anatomy is far different from ours and cooling down their bodies is not as easy as sweating or sitting in front of a fan. Our pets respond differently to heat and cool down by panting, evaporating moisture from their lungs with every breath. In humid weather this form of evaporation may become difficult for our pets, and may result in the inability to cool themselves down which runs the risk for Heat Stroke! 

Symptoms of Heat Stroke include:

  • Heavy Panting,
  • Glazed eyes,
  • A rapid heartbeat,
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Excessive thirst,
  • Lethargy,
  • Fever,
  • Dizziness,
  • Lack of coordination,
  • Profuse salivating,
  • Vomiting,
  • Deep red or purple tongue,
  • Seizures, and
  • Unconsciousness

There are things we can do to help keep our pets cool and protect them from the heat. First, NEVER leave your pet in the car. The internal temperature of a car rises quickly and, even with the windows cracked, things can become fatal in just minutes. If you have to leave you pet outside for long periods of time or after coming in from a walk be sure to provide ample fresh cold water. If your pet must be outside, then ensure there is a proper amount of shade from trees, a tarp, or patio cover. Dog houses are great for winter protection but in the hot humid months can cause more harm than good. Unlike in an open space where the airflow is circulating in a dog house the air is isolated and temperatures are likely to rise. This also hinders evaporation resulting in panting becoming even more ineffective.

We all love our fur babies and the last thing we want is to put them at risk. Remember if you’re uncomfortable, your pet is probably uncomfortable too. If you notice symptoms mentioned above or suspect Heat Stroke in your pet, grab ice packs to cool your pet down, try to give small amounts of cool water, and get to your Bellalago Veterinary Hospital or the closest, open emergency hospital immediately!

Location

Find us on the map