Heatstroke in dogs and cats: Prevention and first aid

How to prevent heat stroke?

To prevent our best friend from suffering heat stroke, remember:

-Give them water frequently and in small amounts to avoid dehydration.

-Never leave your dog inside the car.

-Avoid walks during peak sun hours.

-Avoid leaving them exposed to the sun. Always look for a shaded spot.

-In summer, it's better to feed your dog at night after eating.

-During walks, outings, excursions... it's important to bring plenty of water with a portable water bottle and keep them hydrated at all times. 

-When traveling by car, avoid keeping them in the trunk.

How to detect the symptoms of heatstroke in our pet?

-Skin hotter than normal.

-Seizures.

-Elevated rectal temperature.

-Anxious or alert expression.

-Hoarse breathing.

-Red and shiny gums.

-Vomiting.

-Open mouth, panting, and drooling.

-Searching for cool places to sit.

What should we do if our animal is suffering from heatstroke?

First, it is important to know that you cannot lower the temperature suddenly, as this would cause hypothermia. The temperature must be lowered gradually, and the animal must rehydrate and recover the sugar and salts it has lost.

1. Immediately take our pet to a Veterinary Clinic. During the trip, we should:

- Moisten (without wrapping or covering) primarily the neck and head using cloths soaked in not-too-cold water or a water sprayer.

- NEVER cover it with wet towels.

- Place an ice cube on the bridge of the nose, the groin, and the armpits.

- Moisten its mouth, without forcing it to drink, and without letting it drink excessively.

2. If the animal cannot be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately, we should move it to a cool place and follow these steps:

- Submerge it in water at about 20°C or spray it with water at that temperature until breathing normalizes.

- Moisten (without wrapping or covering) primarily the neck and head using cloths soaked in not-too-cold water or a water sprayer.

- NEVER cover it with wet towels. If possible, use a fan to help.

- Place an ice cube on the bridge of the nose, the groin, and the armpits.

- Moisten its mouth, without forcing it to drink, and without letting it drink excessively.

- When breathing is normal, keep it on a wet towel.

Take it to the vet as soon as possible and explain everything you have done. It is essential that a vet monitors and observes it to see how it progresses. Normal breathing does not eliminate brain damage and other aftereffects of this severe shock, so we insist that you must take it to the vet as soon as possible.

Information from Fundación Altarriba

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