After a long winter, you and your pets are ready to head outdoors to soak up the heat from the sun. Yet, your pet can develop heat stroke. At the West Boca Veterinary Center, our veterinary team wants to share some important information about pet heat stroke for pet owners in Boca Raton, FL, to ensure animals are kept safe and cool once summer arrives.
What Is Heat Stroke in Pets?
Also referred to as heat exhaustion and overheating, heat stroke in pets occurs when your pet's body temperature rises above the normal range, which is between 100 and 102 degrees. Your pet can’t cool off by sweating as you can, which makes overheating more common, but they will pant to cool off.
How Do Pets Get Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke in pets is most common when pets remain outdoors on hot days for extended periods. However, it may also occur when pets play for too long, don’t have access to fresh water, have no access to AC or ventilation, and when the humidity is high.
Signs of Pet Heat Stroke
Numerous signs occur when your pet overheats, including those listed below:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Seizures
Once these signs appear, the onset of actual heat stroke occurs relatively quickly.
How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Pets
When the temperature or humidity is high, your pet is at risk of developing heat stroke. The good news is there are several things you can do to help prevent it from happening.
- Take daily walks/jogs in the morning before it gets too hot outside
- Ensure your pet has access to shade, shelter, and freshwater
- Avoid leaving your pet unsupervised outdoors on sweltering days
- Never leave an animal in a parked, closed-up car, as heat builds rapidly on a hot day
Our Boca Raton Veterinarian Can Help Keep Your Pet Safe
Want to learn more about heat stroke in pets and how you can protect your cat or dog from overheating? Worried your pet may develop heat stroke? Contact the West Boca Veterinary Center team today at (561) 451-8838 to schedule an appointment with our vet.