Pet Care, Resources, and “The Vet Says“

Pet care｜Hot weather tips for cats & Dogs

During summer holiday, you and your furry companions are ready to head outdoors for some fun in the sun. However, your adventure might have to cut short if your pet develops heatstroke. To know the common signs of heatstroke and take preventive measures to keep your pet safe in the summer, here are some hot weather tips for your cats and dogs.

What is Heatstroke in pets?

Heatstroke, also known as overheating or heat exhaustion, occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises above the normal range of 37.7 to 39 degrees. Dogs and cats have few sweat glands and cannot cool off by sweating like humans, so they tend to overheat more easily.

Heatstroke is a dangerous health condition for cats and dogs as it can be fatal if warning signs are not recognized immediately.

What are heatstroke signs in pets?

Be aware of the symptoms and look out for the signs in your pet. These include:

Excessive panting (which increases as heatstroke progresses)
Drooling, salivating
Agitation, restlessness
Very red or pale gums
Bright red tongue
Increased heart rate
Breathing distress
Vomiting and/ or diarrhea (possibly with blood)
Signs of mental confusion, delirium
Dizziness, staggering
Lethargy, weakness
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Collapsing and lying down
Little to no urine production
Coma

Take your pet to see vet immediately if your pet shows any of these signs. Once your pet begins to overheat, heat exhaustion progresses quickly.

What should I do if my pet shows heatstroke signs?

Know how to do emergency first aid at home if you suspect your pet has heatstroke. Initial emergency treatment and measures at home should aim to normalize body temperature.

Firstly, remove your pet from the hot environment immediately.
Secondly, Apply or spray tepid/cool water onto the animal’s fur and skin. Then apply a fan/fanning to maximize heat loss.
Wetting down the area around your pet can also help.
Moreover, don’t use ice-cold water or ice as this may worsen the problem.
Then take your pet to veterinarian immediately.
Heatstroke is an emergency – MUST go to see a vet. Even if the symptoms of your pet seem subsiding, they should always be checked by veterinarian.

Ways to prevent heatstroke.

Heatstroke most commonly occurs when pets are left outside on hot days, take these precautions to keep your pet cool and safe:

Never leave your pet unsupervised under hot weather. While you are away, keep your pet indoors with fan/ air conditioning to ensure the temperature is suitable for them.
Ensure your pet has access to freshwater, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight at all times.
Take your pets for their daily walk or jog in the early morning before the temperature gets too high.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Heat quickly builds up to deadly levels in a closed car, even on sunny days that aren’t hot.
On hot days, keep brachycephalic breeds, elderly and obese pets, and those with heart or lung disease inside your air-conditioned home except for short outdoor bathroom breaks.

Summer can be lots of fun for you and your pets, all it takes is a little extra attention and care. If you have any questions or concerns about heat exhaustion or pet care tips in the summer, please contact Wellness Veterinary Hospital