How to Spot and Treat Heatstroke in Dogs
As the summer months draw closer and the temperatures start heating up, there are a lot of fun activities to look forward to—but heatstroke is a potential risk that all pet owners need to be aware of. Heatstroke is easily preventable with just a few easy steps, but it can be dangerous if not treated properly. Let's take a closer look at what heatstroke is, how you can spot it in your pup, what causes it, and how you can make sure your furry friend stays safe from its risks.
What Is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises beyond the safe limit of 105°F (40.5°C) due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. Dogs are more susceptible than cats because of their fur coats, which act as insulators that trap heat from the sun and cause their body temperature to rise quickly. In an effort to cool off their bodies, dogs will pant heavily or even lie down in cool spots on the ground. Unfortunately, these methods don’t always work as well as they should. If left unchecked, heatstroke can cause organ damage and even death. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly when you suspect your pup is suffering from heatstroke.
What Are the Signs of Heatstroke?
The signs of heatstroke vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some common symptoms include excessive panting or drooling; increased heart rate; lethargy; vomiting; diarrhea; confusion; collapse; seizures; and even coma in extreme cases. If you notice your dog is suffering from any of those symptoms, contact Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic right away!
What Causes Heatstroke in Dogs?
There are several factors that can contribute to heatstroke in dogs such as hot weather conditions (especially during summer), being outdoors too long without access to shade/water, over-exertion (like playing fetch for too long), and being overweight or having underlying health issues like heart disease or respiratory problems. It’s important to know that even if you leave food and water out for your pet outside, they may not be able to find it, so make sure you check up on them throughout the day. Pay a lot of attention to these factors if you want to keep your pup safe from heatstroke this summer!
Take Your Pet to Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic
If your dog is showing any signs of heatstroke, always get in touch with your vets at Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic in Cathedral City, CA right away. Our veterinarians will be able to help provide medical assistance for your pet before serious damage is done. We have years of experience caring for all kinds of animals, so you can rest assured that your pet will receive top-notch care.
Heatstroke is a serious health risk for our beloved pets, and it can be dangerous if left untreated. Our furry friends may not be able to regulate their own body temperatures as well as we can, which is why it's so important to monitor them during hot days or extreme weather conditions. Here at Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic, we understand how important it is to protect your pet during the summer months—so if you think that your pup may be showing signs of heatstroke, don't hesitate to contact us right away. We're here to help!
