Lloyd here.

Summer is here and so is the heat!!!!  Don't forget us pets!  Give us a place to get out of the sun and plenty of fresh water especially if we are outdoor pets.  Heatstroke is a major concern and is potentially deadly!!

Signs of heat stroke are:

  • heavy panting
  • brick red gums
  • pale gums
  • dry gums
  • sticky, thick saliva
  • confusion, disorientation
  • stumbling, poor coordination
  • collapse or inability to walk
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • seizure or tremors
  • loss of consciousness and coma

 If untreated, the animal will go into shock, fall into a coma and death will occur shortly afterward.  Being left in a hot car, even with windows rolled down can be a concern for heatstroke.  Even with windows rolled down, inside car temperatures can escalate rapidly.  Never assume that a running air-conditioned car will stay running. 

FIRST AID

  •    MOVE the animal out of the sun and heat preferably to an indoor room with air-conditioning
  •    fill a tub with a few inches of cool water
  •    pour cool water all over the animal
  •    aim a fan at the animal or fan it
  •    offer water

Avoid rapid cooling, never use ice.  This may shock the animal's already fragile system.  And NEVER place an animal in a pool that would force the animal to swim.

After cooling down, take a rectal temperature every 5 minutes until the temperature is lowered to below 1030 F and transport as soon as possible to a veterinary clinic.  This is a medical emergency and needs to be treated.  Organ problems and complications from shock can continue even after the animal is cooled down and requires vital sign monitoring and IV fluid therapy to restore hydration.  

Hopefully, this will be a happy and safe summer for the whole family!!! 



Remember....
  If you have an animal related question, or a question for me or the docs, fire away.  REMEMBER,  I can't, uuuuummmm I mean, the docs can't diagnose a problem without being seen.  But, feel free to ask and we'll tell you if you should bring your pal in.  The email address  is acvet@comcast.net 

Love the best cat ever 

Lloyd