Pets have little choice when it comes to keeping cool in the summer heat. They cannot change their wardrobe or turn on the fan or airconditioning to keep cool on hot days. Instead, they pant and only sweat through their paw pads and nose to dissipate heat.
When they are unable to effectively cool themselves down, their core temperature rises rapidly and heat stroke can come on very quickly.
Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 38°C to 38.5°C.
What causes heat stroke?
- When a pet is unable to get out of the sun into the shade.
- Too much exercise on a hot day or walking/playing in the heat of the day.
- Leaving a pet inside a parked cat, even if the windows are open. The temperature inside a parked car can rise very quickly, even on a cool day.
Overweight/obese pets, pets with respiratory disease, pets with heart and/or lung problems, very young and very old pets, long haired/thick coated pets and short-nosed/flat-faced pets are all more prone to heat stroke. Extra care should be taken with these pets in hot weather.
What are the signs of heat stroke?
- Heavy/excessive breathing
- Loud, rasping breathing
- Body temperature of 40°C and higher
- Dark or bright red tongue and/or gums
- Increased heart-rate
- Thick saliva (may froth at the mouth)
- Sticky or dry tongue or gums
- Lethargy and weakness
- Unwilling/unable to get up
- Staggering when walking
- Disorientation and/or confusion
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Seizures
- Collapsing and/or loss of consciousness
- Death
What to do if you suspect heat stroke
Heat stroke is life-threatening! IMMEDIATE action must be taken when your pet is found suffering from heat stroke.
Begin by moving your pet out of the sun and heat into a cool shaded area or environment. Please cool wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin region. You can also wet the ear flaps and paw pads with cool water. Offer your pet some fresh, cool water to drink, but do not force it into his mouth. Also do not allow him to drink excessive amounts.
!! NEVER use cold or ice water !!
Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to contract, preventing the body from cooling. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, resulting in other health problems.
Take your pet to your nearest veterinary hospital right away, even if he seems better. Heat stroke can cause wide-spread body inflammation (Systemic inflammatory response syndrome – SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). It is extremely difficult to reverse these changes.
How to help prevent heat stroke
- Provide indoor pets with a cool environment with good ventilation at all times and cool fresh water.
- Provide outdoor pets with enough shade and cool fresh water.
- Do not exercise your pet in hot, humid weather. Rather exercise in the early morning or late evening when it has cooled down.
- If possible, bring your pet indoors on very hot days.
- NEVER leave your pet in the car, even if it is only for a “quick errand”. Even with the windows open, the temperature inside a car can rise very quickly, even on a cool day.
