As the weather gets warmer, it is important to keep our pets cool to avoid the life-threatening condition of heatstroke. Our pets do not sweat the same as we do, and their primary mode of regulating body temperature in the heat is to pant. Depending on their age, weight, breed, and medical condition, they may not be able to cool themselves off with panting alone. Cats typically are not exposed to conditions for heat-stroke under normal conditions since they tend to be indoors and can self-regulate where they position themselves if they are outdoor cats. However, if they are left in a situation where they cannot escape the heat, they can also develop heatstroke. Rabbits who are housed outdoors may be susceptible to heatstroke and need to be carefully monitored. Rabbits already have a normally high body temperature of 100-103 deg F. making them more prone to heatstroke.
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How to avoid heatstroke:
- DO NOT EVER leave your pet unattended in a car – even a few minutes can be too much
- Always carry water with you when walking with your pet in the heat of the day
- Put a cold wet bandana around your pet’s neck to keep them cool
- Do not jog with your dog – unless you have a Dalmatian or breed that is bred to run long-distances, most dogs cannot tolerate this type of exercise
- Provide water, shade, and possibly a fan to your pet if they are outdoors
Signs of heatstroke:
- Excessive panting that seems uncontrollable
- Agitation or pacing – can’t get comfortable
- Brick red color gums & tongue which can become pale over time as the condition progresses
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive drooling & salivation
- Stumbling or staggering
- Internal body temperature (rectal) over 105 deg F. (about 40 deg. C)
As a pet’s temperature rises, these symptoms progressively get worse, until the pet collapses and they may even go into a grand mal seizure. At this point, their internal body temperature becomes uncontrollable and they require immediate medical attention. If the body temperature on a rectal thermometer reads over 107 deg F. there can be irreparable damage to the brain and internal organs.
First Aid Measures:
- Move your pet to a shaded area onto a cool surface such as grass
- Cool your pet down by placing cool wet water over their abdomen, paws, and on their ears – these are areas where the body can use evaporation to release heat
- Use a fan to help the water evaporate
- Use a cool wet washcloth to place your pet on top of to provide a cool surface
- Continue to monitor your pet’s temperature with a rectal thermometer – once it reaches 103 deg F. stop the cooling measures and prepare to dry them off
- As your pet cools off, they can easily drop below normal body temperature (about 100 deg F.) – avoid this by drying them off and removing any wet towels
- If the temperature drops below 98 deg F. place a light warm blanket or sheet over your pet
Get your pet to an emergency facility for follow up or to continue the cooling process. In mild cases of heatstroke, you may be able to completely cool your pet off at home. However, in extreme cases, you may not be able to stop the process and they may require IV fluids and medication to help. Any form of heatstroke can cause a pet to become septic, which becomes a life-threatening condition, so it is best to have a veterinarian examine them.
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