How Hot is Too Hot? How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Pets

Summer temperatures are here, and many of us are enjoying the great outdoors with our family and friends. Often these seasonal outings include our pets. The heat can be dangerous, though, especially for those wearing a fur coat. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital knows how important summer pet safety can be. Please have a great time outside, but take a few of our pointers along to prevent heat stroke in pets.

Signs of Heat Stroke in Pets

One of the greatest emergencies that a pet can face in summer is related to the heat. Temperatures can rise quickly, and things can turn south even faster.

Lack of shade, not enough water, and increased activity can lead to overexertion. Add to that the fact that dogs only sweat through their paw pads and rely on panting to cool themselves, and you can find yourself in trouble before you know it. 

When a pet’s temperature rises too high, it can cause dehydration. If not addressed quickly, organ function can become impaired and serious consequences can occur. 

Signs of heat stroke in pets can include:

• Excessive panting
• Increased salivation
• Red or discolored gums
• Tacky or sticky gums
• High body temperature (>102.5 F)
• Laziness or lethargy
• Increased heart rate
• Confusion or other mental changes
• GI disturbances like vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Seizures. 

You can do a lot towards preventing heatstroke by providing ample water and shade for your pet. It is also important to encourage them to rest in a cool area periodically. Take special care for very young, very old, or brachycephalic pets who may not be able to cool themselves efficiently.

If you think that your pet has become overheated, it is considered an emergency. Contact us right away so that we can help evaluate and treat your pet quickly. 

Summer Pet Safety in the Heat

Summer brings a whole extra set of challenges and concerns. Summer pet safety is paramount.

While accidents happen, most of the time overheating in pets can be prevented with a little common sense. Be smart by:

• Exploring indoor pet-friendly activities
• Exercising your pet in the mornings or evenings when it’s cooler
• Listening to your pet and allow them to rest or enjoy the shade when they want
• Making sure to have plenty of fresh, cool water available (collapsible water bowls can be quite handy)
• Paying attention to hot surfaces to protect your pet’s feet 
• Grooming your pet to help remove excess hair and undercoat and keep your pet cooler
• Never leave your pet alone in a car even for a few minutes
• Encouraging breaks during strenuous activity

Heat stroke is a true pet emergency that we hope you will never experience. With some pet safety knowledge on board, you should feel good about enjoying some fun in the sun with your pet.