Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans because they can only pant to cool off, where humans sweat. Pets can’t ask for water and they can’t say that they are too hot either. And because dogs are pleasers, they will continue to play in the heat – just to make you happy.
What to do
When it is a hot summer’s day, take your pets into consideration. You can keep them inside a cool house and increase the air circulation, or at least ensure that they have shady spaces to cool down. Always ensure that your pets have adequate water to drink and even add some ice cubes to the water bowls to keep the water cool. Small animals can be lightly sprayed with water and dogs can enjoy paddling pools to keep them cool.
Instead of going for a walk in the middle of the day, rather exercise early in the mornings or evenings when it is cooler. Then your dogs won’t exhaust or overheat themselves.
What not to do
Keeping cool is the most important part in preventing heatstroke, even with humans. Keep the following in mind and never, ever leave your pet in the car, not for five minutes and not even in the shade.
- Don’t travel in a car with no ventilation.
- Don’t go running with your dog at midday.
- Don’t allow your pet to exercise too much.
- Don’t leave your pet without adequate amounts of fresh water to drink.
Symptoms
There are a couple of symptoms that may suggest heatstroke. If your dog shows these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. Watch out for:
- An anxious expression or staring appearance
- Heavy panting and raspy breath
- Vomiting
- Open-mouth breathing
- Salivation
- Bright red gums
- Collapsing, stumbling or falling down
- Skin that feels warmer than usual
- Seizures
- Elevated rectal temperature
- Lying flat on a cool surface
Suspected heatstroke
When you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, call the vet immediately and let him know that you are on your way. Your pet has to see the vet as soon as possible – don’t wait.
- Rub your pet’s belly with a cool, wet cloth.
- Keep your air-conditioning running, or at least keep the windows open in the car on your way to the vet.
- Treatment at the vet can include intravenous fluids and oxygen. To determine if there is any organ damage, a blood test can be done.
- In severe cases there is a risk of death, and your dog may require hospitalisation of between one and 10 days.
Side effects of heatstroke
It is truly in your pet’s best interest to prevent heatstroke as much as you can, and if you suspect heatstroke, have your pet treated as soon as possible. If not, he might suffer from side effects, which include:
- Possible permanent brain damage
- Swollen upper airways
- Kidney damage or failure
- Muscle damage
- Lung damage
- If the body temperature reaches 43°C, possible organ failure
- Liver damage or failure
- Bleeding disorders
- Stomach and intestinal ulceration
- Worst of all, your pet could die from heatstroke
Don’t let them suffer
Some animals experience heatstroke quicker than others, and that includes pets with heart conditions, pets with airway problems and who snore, overweight pets and pets who are older or ill. Pets with previous experience of heatstroke should also be watched carefully.
Short-nosed dog breeds like Pugs, Pekingese and Bulldogs, and short-nosed cats like Persians, should also be monitored and kept cool during hot summer days.
As a responsible pet owner, you should do everything in your power to keep your pets cool and ensure that they don’t exhaust or overheat themselves in the heat of the day.
Download the heat stroke infographic to keep in a place where you can easily access all the information.
