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Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats

posted: Aug. 28, 2018.

Prevent Your Pet from Overheating and Heat Stroke with Tips From Our Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC

Summer is a fun time for your entire family, but you do not want to overlook the risks. Your pet has a thick coat of fur all year. That means he or she can easily feel overheated from the summer temperatures. By working with our veterinarian at Forsyth Veterinary Hospital, you reduce the risk of heat stroke in your pets.

Signs of Heat Stress in a Pet

The signs and symptoms of heat stress help you determine when to seek treatment from our veterinarian. Common signs of heat stress in a pet include:

  • Panting
  • Collapsing
  • Weakness
  • Excessive salivation, particularly if it seems odd for your pet
  • Red pigmentation around the mouth and eyes

If your pet is panting, then you want to take measures to bring down his or her temperature. Do not allow the heat stress to continue building, since it may result in severe reactions and health risks.

Pet Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke in Winston-Salem

Pet tips to prevent heatstroke in Winston-Salem depend on the risks to your pet. The first step in preventing heat stroke is keeping your pet in a cool environment during the hottest hours of the day. Do not keep your pet outside during the times when the heat is overwhelming. If you are not available, then give your pet a shaded area like a dog house or a covered patio.

Cool your pet with water. Do not use cold water. You want lukewarm or cool water. Use a hose outside and get your pet wet. The cool temperature will help bring down your pet's high body temperature. 

Visit our veterinarian. Do not assume that cooling your pet is enough. After your pet is no longer panting or showing signs of heat stress, visit our clinic. We will check your pet's health.

Set Up an Appointment Contact Our Forsyth Veterinary Hospital in Winston- Salem, NC

When you have concerns about the high temperatures, you want to take measures to keep your pet safe. To learn more about ways to prevent heat stroke in your pets this summer, call 336-765-1225 today.