Heatstroke in Pets

MyFriend Team
- April 11, 2023

April in Thailand is scorching and extremely unforgiving. As they say, we have three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest! As the temperature rises, pet parents need to be aware of heatstroke! Heatstroke happens when your pet’s body temperature rises higher than 40° celsius (104° Fahrenheit). The normal body temperature of cats and dogs is between 38.3-39.2 degrees Celsius (101.1-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit), and if your pet’s body temperature is higher than this, a heatstroke might occur.

Heatstroke comes with excessive heat. An example would be if they were left in a car with no ventilated air, no A/C, high humidity, and not enough water. Your pet’s body temperature will rise rapidly while its body cannot cool off fast enough. Because pets don’t have sweat glands throughout their body like us hoomans, they can only cool off through their tongues and paws.

Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

All pawrents should observe these symptoms in order to help your little rays of sunshine in time.

Heavy panting
Difficulty breathing
Red tongue and gums
Drooling
Dizziness
Seizures
Collapsing

Prevention and First Aid

Pet pawrents, especially in Thailand, the land of smiles and harsh sun rays, need to be extra careful of heatstroke every time your pets are outdoors in any weather. Specifically, pets with heart and breathing problems, fluffy-thick coats, brachycephalic breeds, seniority, and obesity have a higher risk of getting heatstroke.

Prevention

Turn on the air conditioner for light and breezy air ventilation.
If your pet stays inside the house with no air conditioner, make sure that there is air circulation in the house, you can use a fan to achieve this.
Have your pet drink a lot of water to stay hydrated when going out.
Avoid sunlight from late morning until before sunset. Take your dog out early in the morning or in the evening.
Don’t leave your pets in the car without turning the air conditioner on, even if the window is opened or not. The car temperature can rise even though it isn’t hot that day.
Pets with heart and breathing problems, thick coats, brachycephalic, senior, and obesity are at high risk. They shouldn’t stay in the sun for too long and should be indoors with an air conditioner at all times.

First Aid

Take your pet to a ventilated area indoors.
Use a damp towel to absorb the heat from the body. Don’t use ice or ice-cold water because it could cause a rapid change in blood pressure.
Fan your pet to reduce the heat.
Have them drink room-temperature water. Don’t force them to drink.
If they’re not getting better, take them to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.

During the most fun and relaxing time of year, the hot wind and sun rays can make it hard to care for your pets. From planning the next vacation, and finding nice hotels, to a road trip on the highway – don’t forget that the best memories are made when everyone is prepared for every situation! Despite that, enjoy your holiday and your trip, don’t stress out too much and forget to enjoy moments with your furry friends and loved ones!

This article is reviewed by the veterinarian from Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET)

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