Heat stroke is a condition that results from excessively high body temperatures which leads to abnormalities in the animal's body that can lead to death. It is most common in pets left in locked cars with the windows up or to dogs left outside in the heat without water. It can also happen to dogs that are exercised during really hot weather.
Signs of heat stroke are:
- Rapid panting
- Rapid and erratic heartbeat
- Weakness
- Bright red tongue
- Vomiting
- Exhaustion
- Diarrhea
- Thick/sticky saliva
What to do about heat stroke:
- Move the animal to a cool area (tiles or cool cement)
- Wet the animal down with cool water (not cold!) but do not submerge (focus on inner thighs and stomach of the dog where there are more blood vessels)
- Give small drinks of cold water
- If possible keep the animal moving slowly
- Do not cover the animal with towels or wet blankets - let the water evaporate
- Take your animal to the vet as soon as it's temperature starts to drop
Puppies, kittens, dogs and cats with underlying medical problems and older pets are at most risk. Keep your pet safe! Please do NOT leave your dog or cat in a parked car! Their body temperatures can rise quickly - even to 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
At temperatures greater than 109 F, failure of vital organs, and consequently death, can occur.