As temperatures rise this summer, veterinarians begin seeing one of the most dangerous warm-weather emergencies in pets: heat stroke. Many people associate heat stroke with dogs left in hot cars, but it can happen much more quickly and in far more situations than most owners realize.
Dogs and cats cannot cool themselves the way humans do. They rely heavily on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads. Once their body temperature rises too high, organs can begin to fail rapidly, turning heat stroke into a life-threatening emergency within minutes.
Heat stroke commonly occurs during walks, hikes, backyard play, trips to the beach or even while relaxing outdoors on humid days. Hot pavement, poor ventilation and overexertion can all contribute. Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, and Persian cats are especially high risk because they already have more difficulty cooling themselves. Overweight pets, senior animals and those with heart or airway disease are also more vulnerable.
One of the biggest dangers is that early signs are often dismissed as “just being hot.”
Early Signs of Heat Stroke
- Excessive panting
- Thick drooling
- Bright red gums or tongue
- Weakness or slowing down
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Collapse
What TO Do
- Move your pet to shade or air conditioning immediately
- Use cool or room-temperature water on the paws, belly and body
- Use fans and airflow if available
- Offer small amounts of water if your pet is alert
- Seek veterinary care immediately, even if your pet seems better
What NOT To Do
- Do not use ice baths or extremely cold water
- Do not force water into your pet’s mouth
- Do not continue exercising your pet
- Do not assume your pet is “fine” once panting slows down
- Do not delay veterinary treatment
How Veterinarians Treat Heat Stroke
At the veterinary hospital, treatment focuses on rapidly and safely lowering body temperature while protecting the organs from further damage. Pets often require intravenous fluids, oxygen support, fans, cooling towels and careful monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
Some pets need sedation to reduce stress and help control breathing. In severe cases, heat stroke can damage the intestines and allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, requiring additional medications and intensive care.
Even with treatment, heat stroke can become fatal, which is why early recognition and prevention are so important.
Every summer, veterinarians see heartbreaking heat-related emergencies that could have been prevented. Paying attention to the early warning signs can truly save a pet’s life.
Dr. Travis Cerf is a Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate and owner of Veterinary Center of Hardyston, a locally family-owned veterinary hospital serving Sussex County. With more than 20 years of veterinary experience, his professional interests include surgery, ultrasonography, emergency medicine, and geriatric medicine.
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