{"id":751,"date":"2023-07-19T10:56:55","date_gmt":"2023-07-19T14:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=751"},"modified":"2024-04-03T09:50:01","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T16:50:01","slug":"pet-heat-stroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/pet-heat-stroke\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Heat Stroke: Not Just a Summer Worry"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pet heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that affects all pets regardless of age, species or breed. The symptoms are most common when the weather is hot and humid, but can also result from strenuous over-exertion or confinement in tight spaces (like a parked car). This means that even though the season\u2019s changing from summer to fall, pets remain at risk. Prevention is definitely the key, but immediate recognition and treatment are critical toward a positive outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking Stock<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pet heat stroke happens when the body cannot regulate body temperature.<\/a> Impacting the entire body, pet heat stroke can damage the nervous system, alter normal cellular and enzymatic functions, injure the tissue, and collapse circulation. Left alone, internal temperatures hovering over 106 degrees can result in fatality.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, all animals can suffer from heat stroke, but some pets, like those with short muzzles, the young and <\/span>senior pets<\/span><\/a>, and those with other health issues are more prone.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Types<\/span> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heat stroke most commonly occurs as a result of overexertion, especially when the animal is not accustomed to the level of activity they are engaging in. Avoiding excessive exercise and increasing hydration are the best defenses against the effects of the sun. Cool, shady areas are vital for pets to rest in, drink fresh water, and recharge in a breeze.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a pet is stuck inside a small space, like a car, without a breeze or water, temperatures can skyrocket to dangerous degrees. Pets left unattended in parked vehicles is the leading cause of heat-related pet death every summer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clinical Signs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heat stroke in animals can be determined by the type and severity of of symptoms. Dogs pant to cool themselves down, but they can also sweat (however ineffectively) through their paw pads. When the body\u2019s temperature gets too high and the animal cannot efficiently dissipate heat, they are at real risk of developing <\/span>life-threatening symptoms<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Pet Heat Stroke <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on an pet\u2019s exposure to the elements, or the type of exercise, early signs of heat stroke usually include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n