Prevent Your Pet from Overheating

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs during hot months and when the humidity is high. Typically, your pet may suffer from heatstroke from high outdoor temperatures. However, heatstroke may also occur after rigorous physical activity.

Would you like to learn more about heatstroke in dogs and cats? If you are in Clearwater, FL, or the surrounding area, please book an appointment with Clearwater Animal Clinic.

Signs of Heatstroke in Pets

Heatstroke symptoms can range from mild to severe. High temperatures cause cell damage and trigger an inflammatory response that damages organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and brain. Heatstroke has many symptoms, including:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• increased heart rate
• rapid breathing, especially in dogs
• abnormal bleeding—you may see red lesions on the pet’s skin caused by broken blood vessels
• seizures
• collapse
• restlessness
• muscle tremors
• little to no urine production

If you notice any of the above symptoms of heatstroke, please book an appointment with your animal hospital immediately.

Risk Factors of Heatstroke

Certain conditions can increase the likelihood of heatstroke. They include:

• being confined in a car with doors and windows closed
• obesity
• overexertion on a hot and humid day
• thick or heavy coats
• cardiovascular disease
• age—senior or very young pets are at risk of heatstroke

Preventing Heatstroke in Cats and Dogs

Just like humans, pets lose heat through evaporative cooling. Animals lose heat through their paws, which have a small surface area. So, to increase heat loss, pets use additional ways, including salivation, panting, and licking.

Unfortunately, these methods might fall short when temperatures rise. With this in mind, you can prevent heatstroke in pets by:

• using pet sunscreen or protective clothing
• keeping your pets hydrated
• not leaving your pet in a closed car
• encouraging indoor games or playing in the shade during hot and humid days

Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian today!

Do you suspect your pet has heatstroke? If you are in Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding area, schedule an appointment with Clearwater Animal Clinic. Our vets, Dr. Judith Charpentier and Dr, Mark Stenzel, are specially-trained to treat heatstroke whenever it strikes. Plus, we will give you pet tips to avoid heatstroke in the future. Call us today at (800) 995-7999.