What to do if Your Pet is Overheating

For many of us, summer is all about fun in the sun. But sometimes summer temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the four-legged friends in our lives. We at Virbac want to remind you to please keep a close eye on your pets for signs of overheating.

By Dr. Genna Mize
Virbac Technical Services Veterinarian

Under most conditions, heat stroke is preventable and typically occurs to pets under the following conditions:

  • There is inadequate shade or water provided. Some breeds, such as brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, should never be left outside unattended in the warmer months.
  • Exercise during the heat of the day is never a good idea. Wait until early in the morning or late in the evening for your daily walk or run. If in doubt, find an indoor activity you both can enjoy.
  • When animals are left in cars, even on a 70-degree day, conditions get dangerous fast.  One study out of Stanford University Medical Center found the temperature within a vehicle may increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardless of the outside temperature!1

We hope you and your furry companion are never faced with a heat-stress event. Still, it’s imperative to recognize some of the signs of heat stroke when swift intervention is necessary and even potentially life-saving. Signs of heat stress in your pet can look like the following:

  • Heavy panting
  • Restlessness
  • Change in the color of tongue and gums–usually bright red or purple in advanced cases where oxygen saturation is inadequate
  • Drooling or thickened saliva 
  • Weakness or reluctance to move
  • Collapse 

Do

  • Remove your pet from the environment immediately and move them into the shade, indoors, or ideally air conditioning.
  • If possible, determine rectal temperature and record the reading.
  • Run cool water over your pet. Don’t forget the area of the groin, paws, neck region, and armpits. If you don’t have access to cool running water, place wet towels onto these areas.
  • Direct a fan onto your pet. This will facilitate safe, evaporative cooling.
  • Transport them to the closest veterinary facility ASAP.  If possible, call the clinic on your way to let them know the situation so they can expect and prepare to treat your pet.

Don’t  

  • Do not overcool your pet. Cooling your pet too quickly only worsens an already life-threatening situation. This means no ice water baths.  
  • Do not attempt to force water into your pet’s mouth, but offer fresh cool water should your pet be alert and show an interest in drinking. 
     

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References

  1. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2005/07/parked-cars-get-dangerously-hot-even-on-cool-days-stanford-study-finds.html