***HEAT STROKE in animals ***
Laura Mary Isabelle Jordan-Smith
I was asked to put together some info on heat stroke by admin, I have used websites including Royal Veterinary College, VetsNow & RSPCA for the following information, but the take home message to this post is simple.
A DOG WON’T DIE FROM MISSING A FEW WALKS IN HOT WEATHER…IT COULD HOWEVER FROM HEAT STROKE DUE TO WALKING IN THIS WEATHER
What causes heatstroke?
Believe it or not it’s doesn’t have to be excessively warm for an animal to develop heatstroke.
Personally I have seen cases in pets at temperatures as low as 16/17 degrees in April when we have had a “nice day” in a period of cooler weather.
Exercising in warm weather; even a “gentle/short walk” early in the morning or later in the evening can be too much
This is because it takes time for both animals and people to adapt to extremes in changed in temperature and unfortunately in the UK we have very short periods of these “hot spells” so our pets don’t have time to acclimatise at all.
Why do cats or dogs get heat stroke?
Unlike us, our pets can’t remove layers when it gets hot, and they don’t always have an option to move themselves to cooler places or avoid the sun.
They are unable to cool down by sweating as humans do, so they are less able to regulate their body temperature.
Certain pets/animals can be predisposed to heat stroke, these include;
- Animals that are overweight
- Flat faced breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, or Persian cats
- Pets with thick coats
- Old or very young animals
- Animals with pre-existing conditions, particularly airway, lung or heart problems
Avoiding the situation is always best, but it’s important to know the signs of heatstroke so that you can treat your pet appropriately and know when to seek veterinary attention.
Early signs of heatstroke in can include;
- Panting, this can progress to distressed or noisy breathing as the heatstroke worsens
- Restlessness or agitation, pacing, seeking shade or water
- Drooling
- Red gums or tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Please see the websites mentioned above, amongst others for further information and if you have any concerns about your pet contact your vet immediately for further advice.