Once the spring and summer months begin to warm us up, pet owners should familiarize themselves with the serious problems that may occur if their pets are exposed to high heat. Heat stroke can be extremely dangerous to many different types of animals. For dogs and cats, excessive heat and humidity can potentially be deadly. Remember that pets cannot sweat to keep cool.

What are some things an owner should look out for?

Never leave your pet sitting in a car. Cars are small, confined areas and begin to heat up quickly just like an oven. Remember that even on cool days, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures.

Keep laundry dryer doors closed and watch them closely when in use.

Exercise should be avoided during times of high temperatures.

Your pet’s age may also be a factor; the very young or very old may be more affected. Pets that have health problems can also have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Keep in mind that if your pet is new to an area they may need time to acclimate to the climate. Certain health conditions may also make your pet more susceptible to heat stroke. Hyperthyroidism, a poor physical condition, underlying cardiovascular, neurological, or respiratory diseases are examples of some of those conditions. Obesity, a thick hair coat, poor air circulation in their environment, salt or water depletion and any of the Brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds can play a role.

What are the signs or symptoms of heat stroke?

Panting, hyper salivating, dehydration, congested mucous membranes, increased heart rate, and elevated rectal temperature are all signs of heat stroke. Additional signs depend on the severity and how long a pet has been exposed to high temperatures. Additional signs include irregular or quickened heart rates, respiratory distress and can escalate to shock, bloody vomit or diarrhea, seizures, coma, and even death.

Heat stroke can affect a number of the bodies systems. The gastrointestinal, lymph or immune systems, kidney or liver damage, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system can all be damaged. 

What to do if you think your dog or cat may be suffering from heat stroke

Canine and feline normal body temperatures range between 100F – 102F. Once the body’s’ temperature climbs to 105F it is considered to be an excessively high body temperature. The critical temperature for organ failure is 109F.

First, remove the pet from the heated environment if you are able. Spray or pour cool ( not ice cold) water over them and place them in front of a fan. Be aware that this condition is life threatening and needs immediate attention from veterinary personnel! Try to keep them cool during the ride in. Phone the hospital and let them know you are on the way and what has happened, if you are able. When you arrive to the hospital the doctors and technicians quickly begin working to lower the pet’s body temperature. If the staff has advanced warning they can prepare any materials they may need.

It’s not just dogs and cats that are affected by heat stroke

Many of our exotic companion animals are also at risk. Small mammals are very susceptible to high heat. Care must be taken when deciding on a place for their cage. Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and others must be kept in a cool area of the home. If they are kept in an upstairs bedroom they will need to be moved downstairs if the home is not air conditioned. Being on the second floor of a home can be enough to cause heat stroke. In addition, do not place their cage near a sunny window or radiator.

Often owners will describe their pets having engorged or bright red ear veins or red mucus membranes. The pet may lie down and exhibit rapid breathing, thick or stringy saliva, or bloody diarrhea.

Treatment for these little guys is very similar to our larger animal companions. Spray or wet them, place them in front of a fan, and call the veterinary hospital immediately. Never place a pet in cold or ice water! That could cause them to have seizures.

Monitoring of the patient should be done over several days after the incident. Small mammals may also experience metabolic abnormalities or kidney failure. Unfortunately, small mammals with heat stroke do not respond well to treatment, so get them in for treatment immediately.

With the proper education we can learn how to prevent a preventable injury of disease from afflicting our beloved pets. A happy pet helps make a happy family.

Written by PJ Agents, LVT