Signs of heat stroke may include noisy breathing/panting, collapse, or coma.
Additionally, you may see generalized weakness, staggering gait, vomiting/not eating, gums not pink like they should be (may be bright red or dark, depending on degree of heat exhaustion).
Heat stroke is basically overheating - when the animal (or human) cannot regulate the body temperature. This can lead to organ failure, brain damage, and death. Heat stroke/exhaustion is a medical emergency and is life-threatening!
Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has become overheated. Even after the animal has cooled down, it is important to have your veterinarian examine your pet - kidney, heart, or other organ damage is possible and additional therapy may be required after the initial emergency has passed. Additionally, older pets, pets on some medications, pets with heart conditions, and short-nosed pets are more at risk for heat and stress related events.
Summer
Fun - Summer Safety ![]()
Weather-related
links
Additional Information
about Heat Stroke
Heat
Stroke - From Pet Place
Canine
Heat Stroke and Prevention - Hank De Boer, DVM (web
site)
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary
Handbook - Heatstroke
* good point raised on this site: a non weather-related situation that may predispose
to heat stroke - "being muzzled while put under a dryer (this can happen
in a grooming parlor)".
Additional Information
about Car Safety
Pets
in Parked Cars can be a Deadly Mistake
Canine.com
Don't
Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car
Humane Society of the United States
Leaving
Your Pet in a Parked Car Can Be a Deadly Mistake
The Peoria Humane Society
Cat Diseases A - Z | Dog Diseases A - Z
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