Follow These Pet Tips to Prevent Your Pet from Getting Heat Stroke

It is very important to note that dogs and cats can suffer from heat stroke.  Our feline and canine friends are covered in fur and do not have as many sweat glands as humans do.  Therefore, it can be difficult for our pets to regulate their temperature.  Chat with our veterinarian team at Trilby Animal Hospital in Toledo to find out more about heat stroke in pets and use these pet tips to help your pet keep cool.

Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Cool

• Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water to drink.  Hydration is very important when it comes to keeping cool.

• Shade is also very important.  Your pet needs a place to get out of the sun and the heat.

• Never leave your pet in a hot car.  Temperatures soar quickly inside vehicles.

• Do not make your pet exercise in excessive heat.  Also steer clear of hot pavement, as this can burn your pets' paws.  

Symptoms of Heat Stroke and What to Do if You Think Your Pet Is Suffering from Heat Stroke

Symptoms include increased panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red tongue, lethargy, weakness, dizziness, staggering, vomiting, distressed breathing, rapid heart rate, collapsing, muscle tremors, seizures, mental confusion, little or no production of urine, and coma. If you notice your pet suffering, follow these pet tips:

• Get your pet out of the heat immediately

• Spray cool water over your pet (do not use ice or very cold water)

• Get your pet to your Toledo veterinarian as soon as possible to get checked out.

Call our Toledo veterinarian team at Trilby Animal Hospital right away with any heat stroke concerns.  Even if your pet is showing signs of improvement, it is best to have them looked at.