Heatstroke in Pets: How to Prevent it and What to do if it Happens
Adapted from the American Animal Hospital Association
What are heatstroke signs in pets?
As we enter the dog days of summer, keep a close eye on your pets for overheating signs, such as:
Excessive panting
Excessive drooling
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Diarrhea, with or without blood
Weakness
Incoordination or stumbling
Sudden collapse
Seizures
Act immediately if your pet displays any of these signs. Once your pet begins to overheat, heatstroke progresses quickly.
Some animals are more likely to develop heatstroke than others
Any animal can develop heatstroke, but brachycephalic breeds that have short muzzles, such as bulldogs and pugs, are more at risk because they are less efficient at eliminating heat by panting. Overweight pets, elderly animals, and those with heart and lung disease also have an increased risk. These pets should never be left outside in the heat and should stay indoors with air conditioning during the summer.
What should you do if your pet shows heatstroke signs?
If your pets exhibits mild heatstroke signs, such as panting or vomiting, take them inside and offer them a drink of cool—not cold—water. Take their rectal temperature with a digital thermometer; if it is above 102.2 degrees, cover them in towels soaked in lukewarm water. You also can wipe rubbing alcohol on their paw pads. Take care to cool your pets down gradually—don’t place them into cold water or put cold water on them, as this can cause dangerous blood pressure changes.
Your pet’s body temperature should decrease, and they should begin to improve in 10 minutes. Stop cooling them when their body temperature reaches 102.5 degrees to prevent them from becoming too cold, as their temperature will continue to drop.
If your pet’s condition does not improve in 10 minutes, take them to the nearest veterinarian immediately for advanced support, such as intravenous fluids, blood pressure maintenance, or other medications.
Ways to prevent heatstroke
Consider the possibility of heatstroke any time the temperature is above 80 degrees or humidity is high, and take these precautions to keep your pet cool:
Never leave your pet unsupervised outside on hot days. While you are away, keep your pet indoors with air conditioning.
While outside, ensure your pet has access to fresh water, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight.
Take your daily walk or jog in the morning, before temperatures reach dangerous levels.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Heat quickly builds to deadly levels in a closed car, even on sunny days that aren’t hot.
On hot days, keep brachycephalic breeds, elderly and obese pets, and those with heart or lung disease inside your air-conditioned home except for short outdoor bathroom breaks.