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The Food Bowl

Heat Stroke in Pets

by Heather on August 2nd, 2007

hot.jpgIt’s really hot here in Las Vegas: Our average daily temps have been well over 100F for over a month now. Our two dogs live inside and though they only go out into the backyard when they need to we still keep a dish fresh water on the patio.

However, regardless of how careful you are with your pet during the summer months, do you know the signs of heat stroke? They include extreme panting, becoming exhausted and/or agitated, and vomiting. To cool him down, give him ice cubes (cold water can make him sicker), and lay cool, wet towels across his back. Laying him front of a fan can help as well.

In extreme cases the gums will take on a grayish color and his tongue will turn blue. He may then lose consciousness. Get him in cold water fast or hose him down with a gentle spray. Get his body temperature down as quickly as you can and then call the vet.

Also, a lot people don’t realize that leaving your pet in the car even for a few minute is a bad idea. According to MyDogIsCool.com:

“On a summer’s day of only 85 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won’t stop the inside temperature from climbing to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 120 degrees in 20 minutes. A dog whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees will within a very short time suffer irreparable brain damage — or even death.”

Check out the site for some printable flyers to leave on windshields — hopefully the people who need them are truly ignorant about this aspect of their pet’s care instead of just not caring in the first place.

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POSTED IN: Cats, Dogs, Pet Links, Pet safety, Pets

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