Pet Heatstroke: Recognizing Symptoms and Protecting Your Furry Companion
Pets, especially dogs, cats, and even indoor rabbits, overheat more quickly than humans due to fewer sweat glands and relying more on breath for cooling. This makes it essential for pet owners to take preventative measures during hot weather to avoid heatstroke.
Firstly, it's crucial to avoid exposure to high temperatures, especially on hot days or in hot environments. Pets should be walked early in the morning or after sunset to prevent paw burns, as asphalt can reach 125 °F while the air temperature is only 90 °F.
Providing plenty of cool, fresh water at all times is another essential step. Many owners add automatic feeders and water fountains to ensure a steady flow and reduce the urge to gulp. Daily cleaning of water fountains is important to protect the kidneys and keep the water appealing for pets.
Indoors, curtains should be closed on windows facing direct sun, fans should be used to move air across resting mats, and enclosures for crated or caged animals should be placed in cool, low-light corners. Older cats may forget to drink, so using raised bowls, adding broth ice cubes, or following a guide for keeping older cats hydrated can help prevent heatstroke. Cats with chronic kidney issues overheat faster due to dehydration straining their organs.
Pets with certain health conditions, such as puppies, kittens, seniors, pets with heart disease, and cats with chronic kidney issues, need stricter limits in hot weather. High-quality, moisture-rich diets digest faster and create less internal heat, making them suitable for hot weather.
On hikes, pets should be given breaks every mile and provided with cooling vests or bandanas to protect against heatstroke. Some kibble recipes support cooling through balanced minerals.
Cars trap heat even with cracked windows, so pets should never be left in cars during hot weather. In an emergency, move the pet to shade or an air-conditioned room, check temperature with a rectal thermometer (stop cooling at 103 °F), apply cool (not ice) water using wet towels on the neck, belly, and groin, offer small sips of tap water, and call your veterinarian on the way.
Common signs of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting or rapid breathing, drooling (thick and sticky), red or pale gums, lethargy or weakness, disorientation or confusion, muscle spasms or shivering, vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes with blood), seizures, collapse, increased heart rate, and noisy or labored breathing. If heatstroke symptoms develop, immediate action involves moving the pet to a cooler area, applying gentle cooling methods, and seeking urgent veterinary care to prevent serious complications or death.
Frequent, fresh water lowers core temperature and supports circulation in pets, helping them stay cool and hydrated during hot weather. By following these preventative measures and recognizing early warning signs, pet owners can help ensure their pets stay safe and healthy during the hot summer months.
[1] PetMD. (n.d.). Heat Stroke in Pets. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/heat-stroke
[2] ASPCA. (n.d.). Heat Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/heat-stroke
[3] VCA Hospitals. (n.d.). Heat Stroke. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs
[4] WebMD. (n.d.). Heat Stroke in Dogs. Retrieved from https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/heat-stroke-in-dogs
[5] BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital. (n.d.). Heatstroke in Pets. Retrieved from https://www.bluepearlvet.com/pet-health-library/heatstroke-in-pets
Owners of pets should prioritize their health during hot weather by providing ample amounts of fresh water and adjusting feeding schedules to moisture-rich diets. A health-and-wellness regimen that includes regular exercise, such as early morning or evening walks, is essential for maintaining pet health and preventing heatstroke.
In the quest for pet care during hot weather, it's important to invest in health-and-wellness products like cooling vests or bandanas for outdoor activities. Additionally, incorporating foods rich in hydration like broth ice cubes into a pet's diet can aid in maintaining overall health and wellness.
