Did You Know
- The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees or hotter within minutes, even with the windows partly open on a cloudy day. A parked car can quickly become deadly for an animal shut inside.
- Dogs and cats cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws. With only hot air to breathe inside a vehicle, it is impossible for a pet to cool themselves adequately.
- A body temperature of just 107 degrees may cause brain damage or death from heat stroke.
- Signs of heat stress include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting, listlessness or lack of good coordination.
- Your dog or cat will be more comfortable left at home. Even leaving your animal in a hot vehicle for just 10 minutes can result in serious injury or death.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Your animal will exhibit the following symptoms if it is suffering form a heat stroke:
- Exaggerated panting or sudden stopping of panting
- Rapid or erratic pulse
- Salivation
- Anxious or staring expression
- Weakness or muscle tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Tongue and lips very red (may turn bluish)
- Convulsions or vomiting
- Collapse, coma and death
Emergency Treatment
If your dog or cat shows symptoms of heat stroke follow these instructions:
- Immediately move your animal to a cool shady place.
- Wet the animal with cool (not cold) water all over its body or immerse in lukewarm water. Gradually apply cooler water to lower your animal's body temperature.
- Fan rapidly to promote evaporation. This process will help reduce your animal's core body temperature.
- Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow which will inhibit cooling.
- Allow your animal to drink some cool water.
- Take your animal to a veterinarian immediately for further treatment. The veterinarian may give intravenous fluids to rehydrate your animal and oxygen to prevent brain damage.