Summer has finally arrived in Ohio, allowing people and pets to spend more time outdoors and participate in warm-weather activities. Increasing temperatures are ideal for sun-lovers, but they can prove deadly for pets. Our West Vets ER team wants to ensure pet owners know that summer weather conditions can cause their furry pals to develop heatstroke, and up to half of those affected do not survive. We share answers to frequently asked questions to increase heatstroke awareness and help pet owners avoid tragedy.

Question: What is pet heatstroke?

Answer: Dogs and cats can sweat only through a small area on their feet, so they cool their bodies in other ways. Dogs primarily use panting, while cats groom themselves so the saliva can evaporate and cool their bodies. When pets spend too much time in high temperatures or humidity, they cannot cool themselves effectively, and their internal body temperature rises. The illness resulting from an elevated body temperature is called heatstroke, and it can be deadly.

Q: Which pets are susceptible to heatstroke?

A: Generally speaking, dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than cats. Cats seem more adept at finding cool resting spots and regulating their activity level to prevent overheating, while dogs don’t want to miss a moment of fun and often push themselves beyond their physical limits. Any pet can develop heatstroke, but a few groups are more likely than others to fall victim to it, including:

  • Overweight or obese pets with excess insulating body fat
  • Flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) breeds who struggle to breathe
  • Seniors and young puppies or kittens
  • Pets with endocrine or heart disease
  • Dogs with tracheal collapse or laryngeal paralysis

Q: Why is heatstroke a pet emergency?

A: Heatstroke damages cells and body tissues, causing organs and entire body systems to fail. The longer the body temperature stays elevated, the more likely the damage will be irreversible and cause death. The mortality rate for heatstroke ranges from 20% up to 50%, depending on the extent and duration of the body temperature elevation and how quickly veterinary staff are able to intervene. Treating heatstroke as an emergency will increase your pet’s chances of surviving this condition.

Q: What happens to pets who experience heatstroke?

A: Heatstroke often is preceded by milder symptoms called heat stress or heat exhaustion. Pets in this stage may pant, appear lethargic or weak, and develop muscle spasms, vomiting, or diarrhea. Continued heat exposure will cause the condition to progress to heatstroke, leading to signs associated with organ damage, neurological dysfunction, and internal bleeding.

Pets with heatstroke may display the following signs:

  • Excessive panting
  • Red gums
  • Drooling or dry mouth
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Staggering, stumbling, or confused mental state
  • Seizures
  • Collapse
  • Death

Q: What should I do if my pet exhibits heatstroke signs? 

A: Contact our West Vets ER or Westerville Veterinary Clinic team immediately if you notice heatstroke signs in your pet. We will tell you how to gradually cool your pet down without shocking their system and ask you to bring them to the hospital for immediate care. The sooner you notice a problem and take action, the better your four-legged friend’s chances are for recovery. 

When you arrive, we will check your pet’s body temperature, run lab work, and start IV fluids and medications to stabilize their condition. Your pet likely will remain hospitalized for several days while we monitor their vital signs and organ functions and continue to provide supportive care. Pets who survive the initial 24 hours after their heatstroke develops have a good prognosis, but the problem recur in the future.

Q: How do I prevent my pet from developing heatstroke?

A: Heat safety is important for pets at high risk for heatstroke. You can reduce your pet’s risk by adopting the following strategies during hot summer weather:

  • Exercise during the morning or evening to avoid the hot midday sun
  • Keep pets inside during weather extremes
  • Use swimming, wading, or sprinklers to create fun and engaging games that won’t overheat your pet
  • Offer your pet cooling mats or clothing
  • Provide water at all times and shady resting spots while outdoors
  • Always supervise your pet—never leave them in a vehicle or backyard unattended
  • Keep pets at a healthy weight
  • Maintain your pet’s coat with frequent bathing, brushing, and grooming

You don’t have to fear the sun this summer when you follow the heatstroke prevention guidelines from our West Vets ER team. Contact us immediately if your pet shows signs of  heatstroke because minutes matter when treating this dangerous condition. For non-emergency veterinary care services, contact our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team to schedule a visit for your pet.