Paying extra attention to your pet during the blazing summer months is very important. When pets don't have fresh, clean drinking water readily available, they are susceptible to dehydration or even worse, having a heatstroke. Therefore, it's important to know the signs of heatstroke and dehydration and call Grand Park Animal Clinic in Katy immediately.
Heatstroke is Life-Threatening for Pets
Heatstroke can happen if your pet is left in a car on a hot day, exercised too strenuously in the heat, or doesn't have access to fresh water. The first signs of heatstroke are panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and bright red or blue gums. If you see these signs, it is imperative to take your pet's temperature immediately. A pet's average temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees, but if your pet's temperature is above 104 degrees, they are in danger of having a heatstroke.
Dehydration is More Common Than Heatstroke
Dehydration happens when your pet doesn't have enough fluids in its system and can lead to serious health problems if not treated right away. The best way to prevent dehydration is to ensure your pet always has fresh water available and bring water with you when traveling. Some signs that your pet is dehydrated are sunken eyes, dry nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you see any of these signs, contact our veterinarians immediately.
Preventing Heatstroke and Dehydration in the Summer
Other than making sure your pet has plenty of water to drink, there are other simple tasks you can do to ensure they don't get dehydrated or run into a severe medical situation. We recommend the following tips:
- Make sure you leave your air conditioning unit on if you leave the house. Keep the temperature at least 78 degrees so your pet stays cool.
- If you're going on a car trip, never leave your pet in the car. Not even for a few minutes. Even on a 70-degree day, the internal temperature of your vehicle may exceed 110 degrees. That kind of environment is way too hot for a cat or dog.
- If you are outside, try to find heavily shaded areas, take lots of breaks, or just come inside if you feel it's too hot for your pet.
Make an Appointment for a Pet Exam in Katy, TX
It's always important to know if your furry companion is showing signs of pet dehydration or heatstroke. You can always call Grand Park Animal Clinic in Katy if you suspect your pet is experiencing heatstroke. We will be happy to help make sure your pet stays healthy and hydrated all summer long. Call our team today at (281) 392-3127 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form for non-emergencies.
