Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats: Preventing Your Pet From Overheating
At Dessau Veterinary Clinic, our Austin veterinarian tends to see and treat many cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in pets, especially around this time of year. As a pet owner, it's important that you're aware of some of the common signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats—and that you take the steps necessary to protect your pet not just during the sweltering summer months, but all year-round. These pet tips can help!
Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion: Know the Signs
What are some of the most common signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in pets? These can vary from one pet to the next, but in general, dogs and cats will display some or all of the following:
- Excessive drooling and/or panting
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Loss of energy or overall fatigue
- Appearance of bright red gums/tongue
If your pet shows any of these signs but is still alert and conscious, bring your pet into a cool space as soon as possible and provide him or her with water. If your pet's condition does not improve right away, or if your pet has lost consciousness, it's time to seek veterinary care right away. Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke, which can be fatal.
Things to Remember
Protecting your pet from heat stroke is as easy as making sure your pet isn't left outdoors in the heat for extended periods of time. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog or cat. When pets are outdoors, be sure that they have access to plenty of fresh water and that they have some shelter/shade away from the sun. Never leave a pet in a car unattended for any period of time!
Request an Appointment With Our Austin Veterinarian
If you're interested in finding out more about how to protect your pet this summer or if your pet is due for an appointment, reach out to our Austin veterinarian today. You can reach Dessau Veterinary Clinic by calling our office at (512) 339-3177.