August Newsletter
Heat Stroke
Some helpful hints:
Change your pet’s water often. If they are housed outdoors, it should be changed as often as three times a day. Fresh water also limits the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Provide shade. Whether your pet lives outside or is a pampered pooch taking a stroll, make sure they can get out of the sun’s direct rays if they need to.
Try to limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Especially if your pet is not used to a lot aerobic exercise even at a normal temperature.
Last but not least, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR. Even with the windows open, this time of year a vehicle can get as much as 20 degrees hotter than ambient temperature. Heat stroke (hyperthermia) can occur very quickly!
Signs of heat stroke:
The most prevalent sign of heat stroke is an elevated temperature. Over 104 is considered hyperthermic, over 106 is a very serious emergency. Dogs with hyperthermia may pant vigorously and loudly. They may be difficult to rouse from a lying position, or even collapse as if dizzy. Their gums may be dry or dark red.
What to do:
If you suspect heat stroke, contact a veterinarian immediately. Move your dog to a cooler facility. You can try to reduce temperature, but be careful with ice or very cold water, as this can reduce surface temperature without reducing core temperature.
Prevention is the best medicine. Enjoy your summer, but remember to protect your four-legged family member with common sense and a cool bowl of water. A dip in the wading pool couldn’t hurt either!