How to Recognize If Your Pet is Over-heated

By: Michael Lamping, DVM

 

            High summer mercury readings have suddenly arrived. So far, this year’s rain has protected us from having many severely hot days. Our pets have not acclimated to the heat as gradually as they would in average rainfall years. This puts them at a higher risk for heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Both can cause concerning symptoms requiring prompt veterinary attention.

            Besides physical exertion on a hot day, another common cause of heatstroke is exposure to the rapidly climbing temperatures within vehicles parked in the sun. Dogs are especially vulnerable to excessive car temperatures because 1) they accompany us in the car, 2) errands take longer than expected, and 3) they can be forgotten. If you dart out of an air conditioned car and leave a pet behind, you may under-estimate the intensity of the heat outside and the swiftness of heat buildup within the car.

            Over the past two weeks I’ve seen three cases of pet overheating, including one case of heatstroke which required hospitalization and IV fluids. Depending on the severity and duration of heat exposure, symptoms range from panting, heavy drooling, bright red gums, dehydration, and weakness, to diarrhea, tremors, collapse, seizures, and coma. Heat can most certainly be deadly.

            To avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion remember to provide easily accessible clean water, supply shade in an area with good ventilation, exercise with your pet in the morning or evening, and never leave your dog in the car on a hot day (ie, temperatures of 80 degrees or above). Pets displaying symptoms need to be cooled off gradually. Move them to a cooler place, offer water for them to drink if they are able, run cool water over their coat, and contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic as soon as you can. Prompt attention is the single-most important element of successful recovery.