Prevent Your Pet from Overheating with Help from Our Veterinarian Near You in Downey, CA

When the weather heats up, it is important to take steps to prevent your furry friends from overheating. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. If you notice signs of heat stroke in your dog or cat this summer, get help right away. Keep reading to know how to spot heat stroke and tips to keep your pets safe when temperatures rise.

Know the Early Signs

The early signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat. Your pet may also appear dazed or uncoordinated. These are warnings that its body temperature is elevated to a dangerous level. At this stage, immediate action is required to cool it down before its condition worsens. Ignoring mild signs can quickly progress to severe heat stroke.

Act Fast If Symptoms Worsen

More serious signs like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and unconsciousness mean heat stroke has set in. At this point, emergency veterinary care is needed to prevent death. While waiting to get to the vet, gradually cool your pet with lukewarm water and high velocity fans. Ice water or very cold temperatures can shock its system, so cooling must be done carefully. Even with treatment, heat stroke can cause long-term organ damage.

Limit Exercise on Hot Days

Vigorous exercise predisposes pets to heat-related illness. Take shorter, slower walks on sweltering days to prevent your pet from overexerting itself. Also, avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning and late evening are better times for outdoor play and exercise when temperatures are cooler. Know your pet's limits and let it rest when it appears tired or overheated.

Ensure Access to Shade & Water

Outdoor pets need constant access to clean drinking water and ample shade. Dogs kept chained or confined in yards without refuge from the sun are at high risk for heat stroke. Tree shade and cooling pads or mats help cats and dogs beat the heat. Bring pets inside to air conditioning when possible. Also, make sure their water is not hot from sitting in the sun.

Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars

It is extremely dangerous and illegal, in some states, to confine pets in parked vehicles. On a hot day, the interior of a car can reach deadly temperatures within minutes, even with windows open. Never take the chance of leaving your pet in the car unattended, even if you plan to be quick. Passersby will not hesitate to call authorities or break windows to rescue pets in distress.

Call Our Veterinarian Near You in Downey, CA, for Heat Stoke Treatment and More

Do not take chances with heat stroke this summer. Our veterinarian at Firestone Animal Hospital in Downey, CA, can answer your questions about keeping pets safe in hot weather. We offer a wide array of conditions treated to keep your furry companions healthy and happy. Contact us today at (562) 928-1341 to learn more about our veterinary services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Stay cool!