Menu
  • Services
    • Dog Training
    • Euthanasia
    • Grooming
    • Kennels/Boarding
    • Microchipping
    • Preventative Care
      • Bloodwork
      • Dental
      • Parasite Prevention
      • Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
      • Vaccines
      • Wellness Care/Checkups
    • Radiology
    • Surgery
  • Patient Center
    • Print Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Pet Wellness Program
    • Tour Pet Hospital
  • About Us
    • AAHA Accredited Practice
    • Meet the Team
    • Community Involvement
    • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • Blog
  • Contact
    • Appointment Request
  • Pet Portal
  • Online Store
Healthy Pet Hospital
Healthy Pet Hospital
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Hot dog in water bowl

Protect Your Pets from Heatstroke This Summer

Hot, humid summer days could mean trouble for your pets if they become overheated. High temperatures and humidity levels increase your pet's risk of developing heatstroke, a potentially deadly condition.

What Is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when your pet's body temperature rises dangerously high. A temperature of 102.2 degrees or higher may mean that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Humidity is also a factor in heatstroke, as cases increase during hot, humid days

Which Pets Are at Risk of Heat Stroke?

Any mammal, human or animal, can develop heatstroke, including our furry friends. Although heatstroke is most often diagnosed in dogs, it can also affect cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals. Older or overweight pets, pets with heart or lung conditions, and dogs with short muzzles, like pugs and bulldogs, are more likely to develop heatstroke, according to the AAHA. Heatstroke can occur whether your pet is inside or outside.

Heatstroke is an emergency. Without prompt treatment, your pet could die.

What Are the Symptoms of Heatstroke?

You may notice some of these symptoms if you're pet has heatstroke:

  • Drooling
  • Panting
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Red Gums
  • Dry Gums
  • Lack of Energy
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Falling Down or Stumbling
  • Seizures
  • Collapse

What Can I Do to Keep My Pet Safe from Heatstroke?

These tips can help your pet on hot, humid days:

  • Make Shade a Priority. If your pet will be spending time outdoors, check your yard to ensure that there are plenty of shady spots to escape the heat. A dog house isn't a good shade solution. Dog houses hold in heat and increase your dog's risk of developing heatstroke.
  • Provide Plenty of Water. Keep your pet's water dish full of fresh, cool water when it's hot and humid outside. Lack of water can quickly lead to dehydration.
  • Limit the Amount of Time Your Pet Spends Outside. If being outside isn't pleasant for you on a hot, humid day, your pet won't enjoy it any more than you do. For your pet's sake, decrease the length of its outdoor breaks when it's hot and humid.
  • Don't Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car. Spending time in a parked car, even with the windows partially open, can be deadly for your pet. The temperature outside your car may feel comfortable, but it's a very different story inside the car. When the outside temperature is 85F, the temperature inside the car rises to 102F in just 10 minutes, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
  • Keep Your Home Cool. Turn on your air-conditioner to cool your home on hot or humid days. Fans may be helpful on cooler days but only push hot air around on sweltering days and can't reduce humidity like air-conditioners.
  • Buy a Cooling Device for Your Pet. Cooling mats, beds, collars and bandanas will help your pet stay cool despite the climbing temperatures. Pet stores and websites offer a variety of cooling devices designed for your pet's comfort.
  • Reschedule Exercise Sessions. Avoid vigorous play sessions or walks during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, reschedule these activities for dusk or dawn when it's likely to be cooler and less humid.
  • Learn Heatstroke First Aid Basics. If your pet seems uncomfortable outdoors or is showing any signs of heatstroke, bring it indoors immediately. Wet towels in cool water, wring them out and place then on your pet's head and chest. If your pet is agreeable, a cool (not cold) bath can also be helpful. Be sure to offer a fresh supply of water too.
  • Call Your Veterinarian. Although your pet may perk up once its inside, it's important to call the veterinarian as soon as possible. He or she can tell you if your pet needs to be seen. If your pet is struggling to breathe, collapsing or experiencing seizures, vomiting or diarrhea, don't wait to call. Go to your veterinarian's office or the nearest emergency veterinary office if it's after normal hours.

Are you concerned that your pet may have heatstroke or another health problem? Get in touch with us and tell us about your animal's symptoms.

Sources:

American Animal Hospital Association: How Can I Prevent Heatstroke in My Pet?

American Kennel Club: How Hot is Too Hot? Heatstroke in Dogs, 05/06/2021

The Humane Society of the United States: Keep Pets Safe in the Heat

Our Location

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Healthy Pet Hospital

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Featured Articles
  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More
  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Testimonials

Testimonials

  • "The most important thing, of course, is the care my dog received, and by that measure I have nothing to complain about. However, every time I've been to Pet Hospital, I've had to wait long periods of time--a long time to drop my dog off, and a long time to pick him up. In both cases, it was over a half-hour, and given that I had to notify my job twice while I was waiting that I would be later than anticipated, that is much too long."
    Peter W.
  • "Everyone is very friendly and supportive. A calm climate for my anxious little guy!"
    Suzanne V.
  • "Always a positive experience at Pet Hospital. The office staff loves seeing the dogs, and the dogs are actually excited to go there."
    Tom W.
  • "Incredible service!! I needed a same morning minor emergency appointment and was seen in 15 min. The doctor and vet techs go out of their way to make the examination as stress free as possible. I drive from Costa Mesa to this hospital."
    Kathryn A
  • "Enjoyed meeting Dr. K...He is a wonderful addition to the staff.
    Exam and grooming went off without a hitch.
    Thank you"
    Anonymous
  • "Pet hospital is prompt, friendly, and professional in all aspects of care for my pet and toward me as a owner. Gracie is family to me and her care is paramount. I am never disappointed at the way she is loved and treated here. I wouldn't take her anywhere else.!"
    Anonymous