Heatstroke in The Summer

During New Zealand’s hotter months, it is important to keep you and your pet cool. Sun exposure can cause heatstroke in your pet and can be deadly. We want to ensure you and your pet have a fun outdoors whilst keeping safe!

Signs of Heat Stress in your Pet

Heat stress presents before heat stroke and can be managed at home.

There are important early signs of heat stress to monitor for in your pet, including:

  • Incessant panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Seeking shade
  • Open mouth breathing (cats)

When your pet exhibits these signs of heat stress it important to act quick and cool them down.

How to Safely Cool your Pet at Home

These are safe and simple steps you can take at home to cool your pet if they are experiencing heat stress. However, it is important that if your pet is not improving or is showing signs of heatstroke you must immediately seek veterinary care.

Cool water

    1. Soak your pet’s fur in cool water especially their paws
    2. Rub wet towels over their body
    3. Do NOT place wet towels on them
    4. Do NOT place them in a bathtub, pool or large body of water

Ice

    1. Place ice packs in your pet’s armpits and groin area, and around their neck

Cool air

    1. Direct a fan over of your pet’s body
    2. Allow them to lay down in the shade on a cool surface

 

Too Hot to Handle – Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be prevented at home, but once it has set in, it CANNOT be treated at home.

The following symptoms of heatstroke indicate the need for immediate veterinary care:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Falling over or collapsing
  • Tremoring
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Seizures

Heatstroke can have significant impacts on your pet’s body – affecting their heart, brain, liver, kidneys and stomach. Heatstroke can be deadly and requires intensive veterinary treatment.

Delayed veterinary care is an unfortunate reason why some pets don’t recover – if you are unsure, always contact us or your local emergency vet for advice.

How to Prevent Heatstroke and Keep Cool

Here are some quick and important ways to remember to keep your pet cool, calm and safe in the heat.

 

  • Do NOT walk your pet during the heat of the day
  • If the ground is too hot for you to rest the back of your hand on for 10 seconds, then it is too hot for your pet’s paws
  • Ensure your pet always has access to fresh water
  • Do NOT keep them in enclosed spaces, even for short durations of time
  • Ensure your pet has a shaded area to relax in
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight – obese pets are more likely to experience heatstroke