Pet Heat Stroke
With the warmer weather of summer, many people find themselves spending more time outdoors, especially with their pets. However, with more time outdoors comes the dangers of being out in the sun and heat too long; this applies not only to humans, but to their pets as well.
Our Veterinarians' Tips for Avoiding Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can affect any cat or dog especially in the hot summer months. Heat stroke can even be fatal in some cases, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your pet.
For starters, be aware of the temperature outside at all times. On hot days, try to avoid letting your pet outside during the warmest hours of the day (usually between 10AM and 5PM). If your pet wants to be outside, make sure you give it the opportunity to come inside often.
Hydration is also key, so make sure you leave plenty of fresh water outside for your pet and that your pet has a shady area in which to catch a break from the sun.
Finally, never leave your pet in a car on a hot day, even for a few minutes. Temperatures in a car can easily jump from a comfortable 70 degrees to over 100 degrees in a short period of time.
When to Seek Help From an Veterinary Hospital
It's also important to be aware of the common signs of heat stroke so you can get your pet the veterinary care it needs at a trusted animal hospital, if needed.
Some of the most common signs of heat stroke in pets include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, and rapid heart rate. If you notice that your pet has any of all of these symptoms after having been outside for a period of time, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
More From Your Trusted Columbus Animal Doctors
For more advice on caring for your pets and for all your pet's healthcare needs, trust the veterinarians at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital. We proudly serve the Columbus, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, Whitehall, Groveport, Gahanna, and Bexley area. Call us at 614-239-0027 to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our new client special!
How will you protect your pet from the heat this summer?