Seeing an animal in distress is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, we’re hearing more and more about animals that are abused or suffer from some ailment that could’ve been prevented.
As animal lovers, we want to do all we can to help pet owners provide their animals with the very best care. While this includes taking them to the local veterinary office on a regular basis, it includes much more.
Pet owners need to keep their pets healthy. This involves proper nourishment, but also doing all they can to prevent injury – like heat stroke.pets healthy. This involves proper nourishment, but also doing all they can to prevent injury – like heat stroke.
What is heat stroke? And what should be done if a dog ends up with heat stroke. We’ll discuss what can be done and whether they should be taken to an Atlanta animal hospital right away.
What Is Heat Stroke and How Can Dogs Get One?
Heat stroke can adversely affect even the healthiest of dogs. Of course, those that are older or who have compromised health are at a greater risk. However, heat is not partial – it can make any animal sick if they’re exposed to enough of it.
Heat stroke is a condition in which an animal becomes overheated. This typically happens during the summer months when temperatures often reach triple digits.
Animals that are exposed to the sun without any shade or water can fall prey to heat stroke. So, too, can dogs that are left in vehicles.
We’ve seen an increase in animal deaths because of being left in hot vehicles. Owners may think the dog will be ok in the car for just a few minutes. What they don’t realize is that the temperature within the vehicle can rise over 20 degrees within 10 minutes. So, if it’s 85 degrees outside, the dog will experience 105 degree heat within the vehicle. Within 30 minutes, the interior temperature will be 120 degrees.
According to PETA, on a 90 degree day, the interior of a vehicle can reach 160 degrees within 10 minutes.
And that’s not even taking into consideration the fact that the animal has a warm fur coat to contend with as well.
Symptoms of heat stroke in a dog include:
- Excessive, rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Vomiting with blood
- Thick, sticky saliva
Should Your Dog Go to An Atlanta Animal Hospital for Heat Stroke?
If a dog experiences heat stroke, you’ll want to take them to an Atlanta animal hospital. However, this might not be the best first step. Instead, do what you can to cool the dog down. You can:
- Put the dog in a cold bath
- Use a garden hose to cool the dog
- Make sure cool water touches the dogs back and neck
- Apply a cold pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) to the dog’s body
- Massage the dog’s legs to keep circulation strong
- Provide cold water for the dog to drink – let them drink as much as they want
Once the dog has cooled down, then you’ll want to bring them to an animal hospital. Of course, if it is impossible to cool the dog down for some reason or they’re going into shock or have fallen into a coma – bring them in immediately.
Keep Your Dog Healthy with Regular Visits to Your Local Veterinary
Your local veterinary clinic serves as more than a place to go for pet emergencies. Atlanta animal hospitals are here for preventative care as well.
Regular visits to a clinic are the best way to keep your dog or cat healthy for years to come, providing dental health care, shots, and much more.
Would you like more information about how to best care for your pet? Contact us today for more information. We’re happy to help you keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come!