WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?
Heatstroke is a kind of hyperthermia that usually occurs
when your pet is unable to regulate its core body temperature. This happens
when your pet is generating more heat than it can lose. Heat stroke can cause
severe heat damage to delicate tissues in your pets’ body.
NO SWEAT……
Unlike humans, cats and dogs have very few sweat glands,
just a few on their paws and around their noses, so they cannot rely on
perspiration to help them stay cool.
Under normal circumstances your pet will be able to reduce their core
temperature through panting. They may also ‘redirect’ blood to dilated blood
vessels close to the surface of the skin which allows heat to leave the body.
However, things can
get scary when your pet is severely
overheated if their temperature reaches anything in excess of 41 – 42 degrees C. damage can be caused to
almost every organ of the body.
Some pets are particularly susceptible to heat stroke
especially those that are already compromised, such as obese animals and those
suffering from physiological conditions
such as heart disease and diabetes.
The flat nosed breeds ie; bulldogs, pugs etc, and breeds
that suffer from laryngeal spasm (when the larynx closes blocking the airway)
such as Labradors, can be vulnerable particularly when stressed. Geriatrics and
breeds with thick, heavy coats are also more likely to struggle in hot weather.
As summer temperatures soar, we as pet owners, need to be
aware of the signs of heat stroke, how we can try to prevent it and what we can
do to help if disaster strikes.
Signs and Symptoms..
• Excessive
Panting
• Loud,
rasping breaths
• Bright
red gums
• Exhaustion
/Lethargy/ collapse
• Vomiting/diarrhoea
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death
Most people associate heat stroke with dogs, but cats can
also find themselves in trouble. One of our own cats ‘Baggins’ suffered from
heatstroke when he managed to get himself locked in our neighbour’s trailer on
a very hot day. We were lucky that the neighbour heard him meowing, but Baggins
was in a pretty bad state when he found him. Fortunately, our neighbour hosed
him down before handing a very stressed, bedraggled cat over the fence to us!
Baggins’ temperature was off the thermometer so we continued to treat him for
heat stroke. He definitely lost one of his lives on that day!
If you suspect that your dog or cat may be suffering from
heat stroke the first thing you must do is
What to do…
- Hose your dog/cat down gently or place in a basin of cool
water.
- Scruff your cat - even if your cat is collapsed it will help you keep control
- Keep your pets head
above water.
Apply a wet cloth around the head to try to prevent any
swelling of the brain, Ice packs (or a pack
of frozen peas) can be placed under the
‘armpits’ and in the groin area. If possible, use a fan to help cool down a wet pet!
If your pet is conscious allow it to drink cold water if it
wants to. Call your vet and let them know you are on your way.
*
Because heatstroke can cause damage to internal organs and
tissues it is important that you get your pet checked out by a veterinarian.
Your vet will be able to monitor your pet’s temperature and he/she may need to
administer intravenous fluids or other supportive treatment depending on the
severity of the heat stroke.
We all love our pets and try our best to be responsible
owners so here are some tips to help you avoid an unnecessary trip to the vet !
A) Avoid
exercising your pet at the hottest times of the day.
Temperatures can be deceiving especially on those overcast
summer days. If you are planning a walk, run or hike consider the following:
1) How long
will you be?
2) Will
water be available en route for your pet to drink/ swim/ cool off in?
3) Will
there be shady areas where you can take a break?
B) DO NOT
leave your pet unattended in your car – even with windows open -temperatures
inside a vehicle can soar!
C) At home
be sure your pet always has access to shade and fresh water .
D) Pets with
long coats should be clipped or well-groomed in the summer time to remove
unnecessary undercoat, mats and tangles as this can prevent air from
circulating.
