Knowing Signs Of Heatstroke In Pets

During these times when temperatures are rising, you need to remember to protect those that can't protect themselves.

Dr. Jackie Simon at Country Place Veterinary Clinic talked to KATC about pets and heatstroke.

"Just like with ourselves where we tend to not want to go outside at two in afternoon cut the grass or play baseball, it's the same with them," says Dr. Simon

The human body uses sweating to cool itself down. Some people might think it's a myth that dogs don't sweat, but let's go ahead and bust that myth. They don't. They use panting to cool themselves down. However, sometimes that isn't enough. That's when their body temperatures start to rise.

Country Place Veterinary Clinic has seen three cases this year alone, but says that the after hour emergency clinics have seen a lot more.

"We close at 5:30, so it's all happening after that time," says Dr. Reed. "It can still happen even if it's not in the heat of the day."

Signs to look for if you think your pet is experiencing heat stroke:

• Rapid Panting
• Weakness
• Bright Red Tongue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Thick/Sticky Saliva

What you need to do:

• Move the dog to a cool place
• Apply cool water over the body
• Apply cool towels to the head, neck, and chest
• Give small drinks of cool water to the animal
• Take your dog to the vet or animal emergency clinic

"Starting the cooling process at home is very helpful," says Dr. Reed. "Getting cool wash clothes, not cold or ice-- you don't need ice because that can drop [body temperature] very quickly. Putting cool wash clothes in the arm pits, the groin, on the footpads, and the ears, and get them inside as quick as possible. The sooner you bring them in the more helpful we can be."