This article is brought to you by Emily Cook of the OSPCA
Know the Signs: Heatstroke
Even the most responsible pet owner can find themselves in a situation where their pet has heatstroke! This is why it’s so important to know the signs and what you need to do if you suspect it.
Signs of Heatstroke include:
• Increased heart rate
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Listlessness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Bright red gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Collapse, seizure or coma
• Body temperature higher than 40°C
What to do:
• Move your dog out of the heat immediately.
• Use a hose or wet towels to start cooling your dog down. Do not use ice. Offer your dog water.
• Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Continue cooling him with wet towels during the drive.
• If you’re unable to get to a veterinarian right away monitor his temperature and check for signs of shock. Stop the cooling process when your dog’s temperature reaches 40°C or his 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.
Remember – theres’ never a good excuse to leave an animal unattended in a vehicle. Take the pledge at www.nohotpets.ca and spread the word using #NoHotPets on social media.
