Keep Pets Safe From Heat Stroke

Keep Your Pets Safe from Heat Stroke

               With temperatures in the 90’s in Pennsylvania this summer, pets (and people!) may be prone to heat stroke. What is it and what can you do to protect your pets?

               Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature increases (typically above 105F) and cannot properly cool down.  A sustained body temperature of 106 or above can cause organ failure and may be fatal.

Dogs and cats lose heat primarily by panting, but they lack sweat glands to cool them. Since dogs and cats cannot sweat, they may 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 it 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, gums and tongue may look bright red or purplish. Kidneys and liver can shut down if the pet cannot cool down.

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 the temp too rapidly—Don’t use ice packs or feed your pet ice. Offer water if the pet is conscious, not vomiting and willing to drink. Don’t force pets to drink. Wet your pet with tepid water or place wet towels against the belly and groin areas. Be careful if using a hose: water in hose left in the sun can heat up to scalding temperatures. Move to a cool, shady place or indoors if possible with a fan or air conditioner. GET TO A VET as soon as you can with windows down or air conditioner on to keep your pet cool on the ride. It’s better to get your pet checked since sustained high body temperatures could lead to serious consequences like organ failure. Your vet can start IV fluids and continue cooling measures to try to bring that temp down without cooling too quickly.

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.

A word about rabbits:  If you have outdoor rabbits, they can also overheat in extreme temps. Rabbits lose most of their heat through their ears. If you have an outdoor bunny who seems to be experiencing signs of heat stroke (panting, drooling, weakness, red ears) cool her down by misting or wetting the ears with water (try not to get water in the ear canals) and take your rabbit to the vet.  DO NOT immerse your rabbit in cold water--this may cool the body too quickly. Heat stroke can be prevented by providing plenty of cool fresh water, having ice cubes available for rabbits to lick, using indirect fans, providing shade, providing a cool surface to lie on such as ceramic tile and putting frozen water bottles in the hutch.  In temperatures above 95, consider bringing your bunny indoors if you can.

Enjoy the outdoors with your pets, but be safe and be smart in extremely hot weather to prevent you and your pets from suffering heat stroke.

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

https://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/recognizing-heat-stroke-in-your-pet-rabbit/