Blog Archives

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs – and Treatment

6/25/2021

Within minutes, heatstroke can be fatal. Now the signs. Be prepared to respond.

In hot weather, people must take significant precautions to ensure the health of their pets.

Heatstroke (hyperthermia) in a human or animal is extremely serious.

Heatstroke can happen within minutes in a car. In hot weather, LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME.

It can also occur if an animal is outdoors in heat without adequate shade or when exercising – even gently walking – in high temperatures.

Warning signs:

Pet appears distressed
Panting excessively
Restlessness

As heatstroke progresses, dogs may:

Drool from nose and/or mouth
Become unsteady and appear dizzy
Exhibit gums turning blue, purple or bright red from lack of oxygen

Urgent response:

Remove pet from environment where heatstroke occurred to a cool environment and, if possible, place a fan directly toward them
If possible, take and record rectal temperature
Begin to cool your pet by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Dampen ear flaps and paws with cool water. A fan will help speed evaporative cooling.
Take pet to nearest veterinary facility immediately. Call ahead to notify of emergency, if possible.

DO NOT:

Do not leave pet unattended
Do not overcool the pet (eg., no ice or immersion in cold water)
Do not attempt to force water into pet’s mouth. Make cool water available

Note …
Merely lowering a pet’s body temperature is not enough. Severe heatstroke can affect almost every system in the body. Potentially fatal conditions can persist or emerge even after the pet’s temperature has returned to near normal. You MUST take the animal to a veterinarian AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

0 Comments

Big News: RAPS Animal Hospital opens to more animals

6/24/2021

0 Comments

The RAPS Animal Hospital is now welcoming “exotics”! In addition to dogs and cats, we now have veterinarians with expertise in treating rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, rats, mice, ferrets, chinchillas, hamsters, sugar gliders, lizards and turtles!

For now, we are treating exotics on Saturdays only and will expand as demand requires.

We are excited to expand our services to care for more animals in more households! For more information, or to book an appointment, call 604-242-1666 or book online.

0 Comments

Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs – and Treatment

Big News: RAPS Animal Hospital opens to more animals

Author

Archives

Categories