Heat Stress & Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature increases to a point where they cannot cool down.
Overview
Rising temperatures and longer days during summer mean that were are out and about more with our pets. When a pet’s body temperature rises through activity, they release excess body heat through panting and their paws. Unfortunately, in high environmental temperatures, the pet cannot easily lower their body temperature and heatstroke can develop. Heatstroke can be easily prevented if early signs of heat stress such as excessive panting and agitation are observed and managed early. A dogs normal temperature is around 38°C, a cat's normal temperature is around 38.5°C, when it rises to 40.0°C there is a problem.
All pets can be affected by excessive heat. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing heatstroke.
Risk factors:
- Long-haired breeds
- Double-coated breeds
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
- Very young
- Very old
- Overweight
- Heart disease
- Dehydration
- Very active cats
- Working dogs
Signs
Common signs of heatstroke:
- Excessive panting
- Agitation
- Bright pink gums and tongue
- Lethargy
- Seizure
- Collapse
Causes
Causes of heatstroke:
- Left in the car during hot weather
- Exercising in hot weather
- Left outside with no access to shade
- Unventilated room
- Grooming dryer cage
Management
Tips to help a pet with heat stress:
- Relocate to a cool room such as an air-conditioned room
- Take the temperature every 5 minutes to ensure it is dropping
- Use cold, wet towels and changing them as soon as they become warm
- Offer water to drink regularly
It is important not to cool the pet too quickly or below normal body temperature - avoid ice and very cold water. 
Once the temperature returns to 39°C dry the pet, remove all ice packs and cold towels and monitor
Heatstroke can lead to organ failure. If your pet’s temperature rises above 40.0°C, has reddened gums, rapid heart rate, breathing distress, vomiting, mental depression, seizures or is wobbly, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Prevention
Early recognition of symptoms is the key to preventing heat stress and heatstroke. Unfortunately, pets that have suffered an episode previously are more likely to experience it again.
Tips to help prevent heat stress:
- Avoid exercising on a hot day
- Keep your pet indoors in air-conditioned room
- Avoid rooms that commonly overheat such as the garage, sunny backyard
- Do not leave your pet in direct sunlight
- Never leave a pet in the car
- Always have water accessible
- Place water in multiple places around the house
- Change water every few hours to keep it cool
- Offer bedding in a cool and shaded environment
- Offer ice blocks
- Offer cool, damp towels for the pet to sit on
- Offer a shallow, wading pool for the pet to walk through
- Add a little more water to your pet’s meal or change from a dry food formula to a canned formula in summer to maintain your pet’s hydration