Heatstroke in animals is a killer and can happen frighteningly fast. It doesn’t take much for hot weather to make our pets really sick, particularly our senior pets, pets that are overweight, or have short noses (such as Pugs, Himalayan Persians, Mini Lops). Heatstroke occurs when their internal body temperature gets too high, when it’s too hot outside and they can’t find shade, or when there is insufficient access to water on a hot day. The heat can also make already existing health problems worse.
Signs to watch out for
The first sign in dogs is often heavy panting and difficulty breathing.
For cats and rabbits, panting is always an emergency! Cats and rabbits are more likely to become very quiet, unsteady on their feet and reluctant to move. Their tongue and gums may become bright red, and their saliva thick and sticky. They may vomit, or have bloody diarrhoea further worsening to collapse and have seizures.
How should you treat a pet with heatstroke?
If your pet is showing (any signs that may indicate) of heat stroke, get your pet to a vet straight away. Without immediate veterinary attention, heat stroke can be fatal.
Tips to Beat the Heat:
1) You might be an avid jogger, but don't run your dog in the middle of a hot day!
2) Think of cooling mats for your pets or if inside allow them to stretch out under the AC
3)If they are outdoors, make sure they have shade?
4) Add some ice blocks to the water bowl (freeze ice blocks with kibble/treats)
5) Invest in a kids’ paddling pool for the water loving breeds.
6) Damp down a neck bandanna to keep them cool.