Pet Overheating: A Serious Concern

In the summertime, the heat can get to all of us. When it's the hottest time of the year, don't forget about your pets and their susceptibility to the heat as well. Trilby Animal Hospital in Toledo, wants you to know that it's important to make sure your pet doesn't get overheated. Pet overheating can cause a lot of serious health issues, and it makes your pet miserable. If it gets too far along, it can even kill your pet.

It can be difficult to tell what your dog is thinking and feeling. Properly diagnosing dogs can be tricky. Pets in the summer should be observed to make sure they don't get too hot from being outside. When you have new pets, you may not, as new owners, know what to look for to ensure that your pets aren't suffering from the heat. When your pet gets overheated, your pet will need immediate veterinary care to treat the condition.

Warning Signs

There are certain symptoms to look for when you have pets in the summer. When heatstroke occurs, the dog is no longer able to keep his body temperature regulated. Cats and dogs don't sweat the way humans do. They may pant excessively when they become overheated. It soon becomes impossible for the animal to clear the heat quickly from his respiratory tract. This is when heatstroke sets in.

Other symptoms to watch for include increased salivation, hyperventilation, gums that are dry and pale, a pulse that is rapid or erratic, weakness, confusion, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and diarrhea. All of these symptoms are serious, and your dog will need treatment right away. If the overheating continues, his breathing can become slow and difficult, or it can even stop. At that point, your dog may have a seizure or fall into a coma.

When this happens, get your pet to a cooler place. Then, take his temperature with a rectal thermometer. A normal temperature for a dog is 101.5 F degrees, even for pets in the summer. If your dog is becoming overheated, his temperature will likely be between 103 and 106. If his temperature gets above 106, your dog may be in serious condition. At that point, the animal needs emergency veterinary care.

Veterinary Care in Toledo, OH

If you live in or around Toledo and your pet starts overheating, bring your pet in to Trilby Animal Hospital. Keep our phone number stored in your phone in case you have a pet emergency. Our phone number is 419-474-5403. If you have any questions about overheating or any animal health issue, call us today to speak with our veterinarian.