With the extreme heat of these days ahead, we must remain vigilant to ensure our animals remain safe and healthy.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Keep your pet indoors as much as possible!
- Have a cool, well-ventilated space for your pets.
- Make sure your animals have access to plenty of clean, fresh water.
- Never leave your pet in a car, even if it’s not hot outside. The temperature in your vehicle can rise extremely quickly and quickly kill pets.
- Limit animal exercise in hot weather.
- Try to avoid areas of hot sand, concrete, asphalt, or any other area where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
Heat stroke (hyperthermia) is also known as overheating or heat exhaustion. It can overtake your pet when its body temperature exceeds 103°F. Dogs cannot cool their bodies by sweating like we do. This makes them more vulnerable to heat-related conditions. If the warning signs are not recognized immediately, heat stroke can be fatal.
![nsala_blog_summerheatadvisory_1](https://www.animalleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/nsala_blog_summerheatadvisory_1.jpg)
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR, even if it is not hot outside. The temperature in your vehicle can rise extremely quickly and quickly kill pets.
Keep a close eye out for signs of overheating, including:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Incoordination or stumbling
- Sudden collapse
- Seizures
If your dog begins to show mild signs of heat stroke, offer him a glass of cool, not cold water. You can also cover your pet with towels soaked in warm water, but be sure to cool them down gradually, as you don’t want to trigger dangerous changes in blood pressure.
Even if your pet appears to be on the mend or you suspect they might have heat stroke, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian.
Your pet’s body temperature should drop and they should begin to improve after 10 minutes. Stop cooling her when her body temperature reaches 102.5 degrees to prevent her from getting too cold, as her temperature will continue to drop.
If your pet’s condition does not improve after 10 minutes, take it to the nearest shopping mall. AAHA Accredited Veterinarian immediately for advanced support, such as intravenous fluids, blood pressure maintenance, or other medications.
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