Animal Emergency Clinic of Central Texas

Did you know?

• Dogs cannot perspire. They get rid of heat by panting instead of evaporation.
• Heatstroke can occur in just a few minutes.
• Dogs and cats are at much greater risk of heatstroke than people.
• Many pets with heatstroke will die without appropriate therapy.
• During the hotter months (March - November), you should not exercise you pet in the heat of the day.
• Hot pavement can cause third degree burns on your pet's feet.
• Your pet can suffer a heatstroke from just lying around in the back yard.
• A car's interior can reach life threatening temperatures in just a few minutes.even if the windows are rolled all the way down.

Heatstroke is preventable, yet this time of year we see many cases each month. There are no set guidelines on when it is or is not safe to allow your pets outdoors. The amount of exposure considered safe varies depending upon the pet's age, body condition, type of exercise (walking or running), duration, and the current weather conditions. If you are unsure please consult your veterinarian.

A good rule of thumb: If it is too hot to be exercising an infant child, it is too hot for your pet!

Summer Safety Tips

• If you must exercise your pet, do so early in the morning or late in the evening when it is coolest. Walking is preferable to running.
• Wet your pet before and after exercising. Sit him in front of a fan to cool off afterwards.
• Make frequent stops to rest and to offer water.
• Never leave your pet outside in the heat unsupervised.
• Always provide fresh clean water and shelter. During the hottest part of the day, even this may be inadequate. It is safest to keep your pet indoors.

Signs of Heatstroke

• Panting, dry pale gums
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Elevated temperature, staggering, sluggishness, seizures
• Unresponsiveness, coma, and ultimately death

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOUR PET IS SUFFERING FROM HEATSTROKE, TAKE THEM TO A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATLEY!