Looking out for heatstroke in pets

Heatstroke in pets is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature increases and could have serious consequences including organ failure or in more serious cases loss of life.

Unlike us, animals can’t remove layers in warm weather and they don’t sweat like we do, meaning they are less able to regulate their body temperature. Panting is a way in which dogs keep cool.

What causes heat stroke in pets?

Heatstroke is most common between May and August when the weather is warm but heatstroke from overexercising can occur throughout the year.

A common misconception is that it must be ‘hot’ for heatstroke to occur, this isn’t always the case.

The main causes of heatstroke in pets are:

Excessive exercise in warm weather
Being left in a warm, humid environment with poor ventilation
Not being able to cope in hot weather
Being in a hot building or vehicle and not being able to find a place to cool down

Animals more susceptible to heatstroke include:

Overweight animals
Breeds with flat faces, such as Persian cats, French bull dogs and Pugs
Very old or young pets
Animals with lung, heart or airway problems
Pets with thick coats
Bigger dogs, particularly those over 50kg

What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?

Heatstroke in pets can progress quickly as they cannot tell us what is wrong. Be sure to look out for the following common signs, which could help to save your pet’s life:

Heavy panting, even when not exercising
Breathing problems, particularly in flat-faced dogs
Fitting
Tiredness
Stiffness
Unwillingness to move
Being sick
Not being able to walk in a straight line
Collapsing

If you notice any of the above signs it’s important to immediately contact your vet for advice, early treatment is essential for saving your pets life.

Tips for pet owners if you suspect your dog or cat has heatstroke

If your pet is displaying signs of heatstroke, acting immediately is important. It is recommended to ‘cool first, transport second’ as the immediate first aid response for both dogs and cats and then seek advice from your vet as soon as possible.

Take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area
Lay them on a cool floor
Offer them water but do not force them to drink
Carefully pour water over your pet’s body or sponge them. Pay particular attention to their neck, inner thighs and tummy and try to continue doing this until their breathing is regulated.
Fan them with cool air or put them in a well air-conditioned room or car, as they are already wet, the impact of doing this will help cool them down quickly.

Once you have followed these steps, call your vet who will be able to help with what to do next.

Tips for preventing heatstroke in cats and dogs

Helping your pet to keep cool in summer and throughout the year can reduce the risk of heatstroke.

Below are some tips that can help:

Regular grooming if they have a long or heavy coat
Never leave pets in a hot car or hot room
Hot pavements can burn paws! Hold your hand on the pavement before walking in summer. Use the seven second rule, if you can’t hold you hand there for seven seconds, it’s too hot to walk your pet.
Take a water bottle on walks
Ensure that your pets always have access to shaded areas both indoors and outdoors
Restrict exercise on warm days
Add ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl
Give your dog a paddling pool to splash in
Put a damp towel on the floor for your pet to lie on

If you are worried about your pet in hot weather, always contact your vet as they are best placed to offer advice.