HEAT STROKE CAN KILL!
NEVER leave a pet alone in a vehicle, even in the shade. Pets left in cars, or other unventilated areas, or even tied up in the sun, are susceptible to heat stroke. Since dogs have only a limited ability to sweat, even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening.
Temperatures inside a parked car can rapidly reach a dangerous level even on a relatively mild day, even with the windows slightly open. A dog’s normal body temperature is 39 degrees Celsius and a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius can be withstood only a very short time before irreparable brain damage or death can occur.
Pets left outdoors on hot summer days can also be in serious danger. Dogs should only be left outdoors for short periods, should have sufficient water and a cool, sheltered place out of direct sunlight. Walking early morning or evening when it is cooler is advisable.
FIRST AID FOR HEATSTROKE
Even if you are cautious, there may be a time when you will have to deal with heatstroke. Familiarize yourself with the signs of heatstroke and what to do. First aid and medical treatment are essential and can help save your pet’s life. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE INCLUDE:
- INCREASED HEART RATE
- EXCESSIVE PANTING OR DROOLING
- CONFUSION OR DISORIENTATION
- BRIGHT RED GUMS
- VOMITING OR DIARRHEA
- COLLAPSE, SEIZURE OR COMA
- BODY TEMPERATURE HIGHER THAN 40 DEGREES CELSIUS
WHAT TO DO:
- MOVE YOUR PET OUT OF THE HEAT IMMEDIATELY
- USE A HOSE OR WET TOWELS TO START COOLING YOUR PET DOWN. DO NOT USE ICE. OFFER YOUR PET WATER.
- TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY. CONTINUE COOLING WITH WET TOWELS DURING THE DRIVE
- IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET TO A VETERINARIAN RIGHT AWAY, MONITOR YOUR PETS TEMPERATURE AND CHECK FOR SIGNS OF SHOCK. STOP THE COOLING PROCESS WHEN YOUR PET’S TEMPERATURE REACHES 40 DEGRESS CELSIUS OR HIS/HER BODY TEMPERATURE CAN DROP TOO LOW AND INCREASE THE RISK OF SHOCK
EVEN IF YOUR DOG COOLS DOWN TAKE HIM TO A VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS SOME MEDICAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY HEATSTROKE MAY NOT SHOW UP RIGHT AWAY.