Is Your Pet Overheated?

Is Your Pet Overheated?

Dehydration and overheating can be extremely dangerous for pets. And if you don't know what to look for when your pet is overheating, it can lead to heatstroke, which can be deadly. All too often we see this from pets, usually dogs, left in hot cars while someone runs into a store "for just a quick minute". I don't know if any of you have seen the video on Facebook of the vet in the hot car showing you how fast the temperature can climb in "just a quick minute", but those "quick minutes" usually aren't quick minutes and no animal, or human, should be left in a car for any amount of time. It's just too risky. 

Signs and Symptoms of Overheating

Heavy panting or rapid breathing

Excessive thirst

Glazed eyes

Vomiting or bloody diarrhea

Bright or dark red tongue or gums       

Staggering 

Elevated body temperature

Weakness or collapsing

Increased pulse or heartbeat

Seizures

Excessive drooling

Unconsciousness

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

1. Never leave your pet in your car. EVER.

2. Don't walk your pet on hot pavement or during the hot part of the day. Not only can the pavement burn their paws, but the heat rising from the hot surface can make your pet quickly overheat. It's best to go in the morning before the pavement heats up or in the evening and stick to the shaded areas and grass. 

3. Don't exercise your pet during the hot parts of the day. If you take your dog to the dog park, go during the cooler hours, like when you would walk them. And don't overdo it. Our pets tend to get a little excitable when it comes to playing and don't realize how hot they are getting when they are running and chasing a ball. We have to keep their best interest in mind.

4. Make sure there is always fresh water available to your pets. Outdoors and indoors there should be a bowl of fresh water for your pet. And if your pet gets too hot, you can always hose them down or turn the sprinkler on for them.