The progression of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke will occur when an animal severely overheats as the weather turns warm and the animal has not yet acclimated to it. This progression can be rather quick given the fact that your animal is usually smaller in size than you and that cat and dogs do not have sweat glands, so they can dispel heat only by panting and through the pads of their feet.
Consider that the normal body temperature of 100.2-100.8° F for Dogs and 100.5-102.5° F for cats.
Understand it is important to not allow your animal’s body temperature to advance beyond more than 104° F.
Make sure your pet has plenty of cool water and shade during hot weather.
Never leave your pet in a parked car! Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke—and even die. Temperatures can rapidly exceed 120° F in parked cars!
It is especially important to take note of your animal’s condition in areas that experience a rapid rise or decline in temperatures in a relatively small area (such as the Bay Area of California). Try to limit the amount of excessive exercise when temperatures change quickly and understand your breed’s disposition to heat.
First Aid
Get your animal out of the direct heat as soon as possible.
Check for shock.
Take the animal’s temperature
Spray the animal with cool water, place towels on the head, neck, and core.
Take the animal to the Veterinarian for bloody diarrhea, capillary refill time is too quick, or for any temperature over 104° F.
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Learn more
What: American Red Cross Certified pet first-aid class
Where: Throughout the Bay Area
Cost: $100 per student, includes instruction and Pet first-aid manual ($20 discount for each additional student and further group discounts available).
To register: email John at matisj@gmail.com
