Heat Stroke
Here in south-east Queensland, it can get hot at any time of the year, but obviously the worse time of time of the year is summer, late spring and early autumn. This can lead to potential heat stroke and exhaustion in pets if they to do much activity or are outside for long periods of time in extreme temperatures. An interesting fact is that certain breeds/animals are predisposed. Brachycephalic animals with their squashed up little faces (like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persians etc) can find it harder to breathe. Overweight dogs, older dogs that have trouble getting up, young dogs that play too hard and then collapse, and pocket pets such as guinea pigs and rats are all more susceptible. Even not being able to pant properly from constantly carrying something in their mouth (eg a ball) can cause an animal to get heat stroke.
Initially animals that start to overheat will get heat stress, with increased panting and thirst. If they are unable to cool themselves down then the animals will likely progress into heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Typical signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in pets are:
Excessive, persistent panting
Excessive salivation
Collapse
Rapid or laboured breathing
Unable to get up, laying on their side
Gum colour brick red or pale
These symptoms are extremely serious and should never be ignored. They may appear all together or as a combination of some of them. Regardless, never ignore these symptoms as heat stroke in pets can be profoundly serious and can progress onto seizures, loss of consciousness, organ failure and even death. If you are concerned about your pet call us straight away or go to Animal Emergency Services if it is out of hours.
A dog with heatstroke will need constant monitoring, care and gradual cooling to ensure their body temperature is returned to normal with minimal risk to blood vessels and organs.
How to avoid it heat stroke?
On hot days, it is advisable (if you can) to keep the air conditioning on and bring your pets inside. You must avoid playing/walking in the hottest part of the day and do not walk on hot concrete/roads and this can burn their pads. Always make sure they have plenty of shade, and make sure pocket pets are kept in the shade, or if possible, bring them inside too. If they have access to digging that is great! Dirt keeps them cool. It is advisable to offer more than one large water bowl/bucket and iced treats are fantastic. Ideally never tie your dog up, but if you must for some reason please ensure that there is no way that they could get tangled up and trapped in the sun or away from a water source.
If you have any questions about heat stress in your pets please do not hesitate to give our team a call on 07 5502 3686.
