Heatstroke in our pets

Heatstroke in our pets is an EMERGENCY situation which requires urgent veterinary care!

Heatstroke occurs when your pet can no longer regulate their body temperature and can result in organ failure and brain damage. Heatstroke can be fatal for your pet.

With the warmer summer days and extreme weather events it is vital to understand how to protect our pets from heatstroke, how to recognise symptoms and how to apply important first aid whilst seeking veterinary care.

Signs of Heatstroke in pets

• Difficulty breathing.
• Increased panting or salivation.
• Agitation or pacing.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Confusion or staggering.
• Lethargy or collapse.
• Muscle tremors.
• Change in gum colour to bright red.

Heatstroke First Aid for pets

• Move your pet into the cool.
• Spray cool water onto their fur and surrounding bedding (do not use ice cold water as this can make the heatstroke worsen).
• Place a cool fan on to them.
• Place a cool, wet, towel around their neck.
• Seek urgent veterinary assistance.

How to prevent Heatstroke in pets

• In warm weather, ensure that your pet can move to shaded areas.  Ensure that there is ample shade in the morning and afternoon as the sun moves.
• Provide ample fresh, cool water.
• Avoid exercising your pet in hot weather, exercising early in the morning or in the evening instead.
• On extreme weather days, bring pets inside to air conditioning when possible.
• Never leave an animal in a vehicle in warm weather, even mildly warm weather can see car temperatures climb to life threatening temperatures within minutes.
• Be mindful of not walking pets in hot weather on hot pavements, which can burn paws and intensify heightened body temperatures.