Identify Pet Heat Exhaustion Symptoms Early to Protect Both Them and You from Harmful Consequences
As temperatures soar this summer, it's crucial to keep our furry friends safe from the heat. Over 100 million Americans are expected to experience days of relentless heat due to a heat dome this week[1]. Here's what you need to know to protect your pets from heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Recognising the Signs
Pets, unlike humans, cannot sweat or remove layers of clothing to regulate their body temperatures[2]. This makes them more susceptible to overheating. The key signs of heat exhaustion in pets include:
- Rapid or heavy panting that doesn’t stop
- Lethargy, weakness, or restlessness
- Bright red or pale gums and tongue
- Excessive drooling (especially in dogs)
- Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Disorientation, confusion, seizures, or collapse in severe cases
- Hiding or avoidance behavior (especially in cats)
- Increased grooming in cats
- Laboured or noisy breathing
- Body temperature over 103°F
Taking Action
If you suspect heat exhaustion, immediate action is necessary. Follow these steps:
- Move your pet to a cooler, shaded area away from direct heat.
- Offer small amounts of cool (not cold) water to drink.
- Apply cool, damp towels or use a fan to help lower their body temperature.
- Use caution to avoid cooling too fast or using ice water, which can cause shock.
- Monitor closely for worsening signs like collapse or seizures.
- If advanced symptoms occur (seizures, collapse, inability to stand, altered consciousness), seek immediate veterinary care as heatstroke can be fatal and requires urgent treatment.
At-Risk Pets
Pets with flat faces, thick coats, puppies, seniors, and those with health issues are especially vulnerable[2]. Never leave pets in parked cars or hot environments unattended.
Staying Prepared
To survive the record-breaking heat, homeowners may need to make upgrades to their homes[3]. If you're out and about, keep your pet indoors for safety and coolness when temperatures approach 80 degrees[4]. If you must take your pet outside, bring them to your car and turn on the AC.
In addition, Apple AirTags can be used to track pets if they get disoriented from the heat by being slipped into an AirTag-compatible collar[5]. Always keep drinking water available and offer sips, but don't force them to drink.
Heat strokes and other heat-related issues are typically covered by most pet insurance policies[6]. Comparing multiple quotes on pet insurance can help find the right plan and price for your pet.
In conclusion, knowing these signs and taking swift action is critical to protect pets from heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather. By staying vigilant and prepared, we can ensure our pets stay healthy and happy all summer long.
[1] Weather.com [2] ASPCA [3] Energy.gov [4] PetMD [5] Apple.com [6] PetInsurance.com
- In the realm of pet health-and-wellness, it's essential to remember that many pets struggle to regulate their body temperatures due to a lack of sweating and the inability to remove layers of clothing, making them more susceptible to overheating, similar to how wallets don't have the capacity for temperature regulation or regulation through clothing.
- This summer, as we implement various strategies for keeping ourselves cool, such as science-based approaches like using fans or creating cool environments, remember to also regulate the environment for our pets, ensuring they have access to cool areas, water, and, if needed, heatstroke prevention measures like AirTags, similar to how we might protect our valuables in wallets from heat damage or loss.
