How To Recognize And Prevent Heatstroke In Pets

Heatstroke causes many deaths in pets. It’s critical that you pay attention to your pet’s behavior, as they can’t communicate with you enough to say, “Hey, it’s too hot” or “Why did you turn the heat up? I’m roasting here.” Although we don’t use the same spoken language, we can read their body language during their times of need. Taking precautions to prevent heatstroke and knowing what to do when it does happen can save their life. So, let’s dive into the signs and the steps you need to take in order to cool those overheated pets.

Signs Of Heatstroke 

If you’re experiencing extremely hot weather, or simply dealing with a heater that’s on the fritz, then you need to watch for some specific behaviors in your pet. A general rule of thumb is “if you’re hot, they’re hot.” Here’s the signs to watch out for during that heat wave.

·         Extreme Panting

·         Extreme Drooling

·         Struggled Breathing

·         Vomiting

·         Diarrhea

·         Fatigue

·         Stumbling

·         Collapsing

·         Seizures

What Do You Do If They Have Heatstroke Signs?

When your temperature or your pet’s temperature rises above 100 to 102 degrees, this can mean heatstroke. Dogs and cats have very few sweat glands, and cannot cool off as easily as humans. This means that they are more susceptible to heatstroke. It can occur for a variety of reasons (your fault or not). So, what can you do if it does happen? Try performing these life-saving measures, and if their temperature doesn’t decrease within ten minutes of trying, then you need to get them to a veterinarian right away.

1.  Offer Cool Water

It’s important not to shock their body with cold water or ice. Cool water or even tepid water will gradually decrease their temperature. Cold water may shut down the blood supply to the skin, in turn, making it harder for heat to dissipate.

2.  Bring Them Inside

Your first step should be eliminating the heat source. If that means bringing them inside into the AC-cooled room, then do so. If all you have is some shade under a tree, then use it. Anything is better than staying under the roasting sun or in an overheated house.

3.  Take Their Temperature

You’ll need to take a rectal temperature with a digital thermometer. If their temperature is above 102 degrees, it’s time to move on to the other steps. If it’s under and gradually decreasing, then keep offering them water and a cool environment. However, don’t overwhelm them with water. Too much can be harmful, too.

4.  Cover Them With Lukewarm Towels

Covering them with water-soaked towels that are lukewarm will help their temperature drop. Remember that their temperature is hot, so lukewarm is much cooler to them than it is to you. Don’t shock your pet with ice cold towels.

5.  Wipe Rubbing Alcohol On Paw Pads

Dogs and cats release heat from the pads of their feet. Adding rubbing alcohol to their pads can draw some of that heat out. It’s a useful tactic and has saved many pet’s lives.

6.  Cool Down Gradually

It’s important for their temperature to drop gradually. However, if their condition hasn’t improved in the ten minutes that you’ve been performing these acts, then get them to a vet quickly. Make sure your car has the AC on. Don’t put them back in a hot environment.

How Do You Prevent Heatstroke?

Heatstroke can be deadly, so you want to avoid it at all costs. There are a few preventative steps you can take to avoid this. Let’s explore them further, as your pet will appreciate the foresight.

1.  Provide Access To Shade And Water

It’s easy to forget about our pet’s needs when they can’t tell us. Caring for an animal requires constant supervision and focus. Give them water at regular intervals and feed them during the hot weather, too. Hot weather means more energy burned. They can easily become fatigued without the proper amount of food. Shade is necessary, too. They may not notice how warm they are until it’s too late. Make them take shelter in the shade with you until they’re cooled down.

2.  Never Leave Them Exposed To Extreme Weather

It’s a known fact that leaving your pet in the car on a hot day will lead to heatstroke. Don’t do this. “I’m only going to be a minute” can lead to “oh, I forgot” or “well, the line was long.” Bring them with or leave them at home in a temperature-appropriate environment. Pay for the AC bill while you’re gone because the animals won’t survive without it.

3.  Keep Their Health Condition In Mind

Elderly and obese pets are more susceptible to heatstroke. Keep their exposure to heat short. Keep them hydrated and fed according to their dietary needs. Remember, not every species is the same, and not every Labrador is the same as the next.