Hot Weather Tips

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.