Keep Your Pet Safe In Hot Weather – Copper Hill Animal Clinic

Summer is getting hotter every year. Hot weather can be very dangerous for pets. Getting too hot, called heat stroke or hyperthermia, is a life-threatening emergency. Knowing what to do could save your pet’s life. Pets can get heat stroke if they stay outside without enough shade or water, exercise in hot weather or are left inside a parked car. Even on a mild 70°F day, the inside of a closed car can become about 40 degrees hotter in just one hour. That is why you should never leave a pet in a parked car without air conditioning. Some pets are at greater risk for heat stroke. Overweight pets and pets with short, flat faces, like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, can overheat more easily.
Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, lots of drooling, trouble walking or standing, and bright red or blue gums. If you notice any of these signs, act right away. Move your pet to a cool, shady place. Turn a fan on your pet if you have one. Gently pour cool (not ice-cold) water over your pet. Then take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Even if your pet seems to feel better after cooling down, they still need to see a veterinarian. Heat stroke can damage many parts of the body, and your pet may need medical care. When it comes to heat stroke, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you have any questions about heat stroke, please call Copper Hill Animal Clinic.