Preventing Heat Stress and Injury in Pets

As summer and hot weather approaches, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of overheating in your pet. Whether they stay outside throughout the day or you take them along on adventures, your pets are susceptible to heat stress and injury on extremely hot days. For more veterinarian pet tips on what you can do to keep your pet comfortable when temperatures start to rise, contact the Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in the San Diego area.

What Is Heat Stress?

Heat stress or heat exhaustion occurs when your pet’s temperature becomes elevated, and they can’t lower it through normal outlets. While the exact temperature your pet will begin to show distress may vary, a veterinarian will typically say anything above 103 is too high. Once a pet’s temperature reaches 106 or higher, he is in the danger zone for heat stroke.

Warning Signs of Heat Stress

Fortunately, the signs of heat stress are easy to spot. You’ll first notice excessive panting as your dog tries to cool off. Some dogs may even collapse and experience convulsions once their body temperature starts to rise. Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, and you may also notice his tongue and gums turning bright red or blue. Other noticeable signs include:

  • Lethargy
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Glazed eyes
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lack of coordination

What to Do?

If you notice any signs of heat stress with your pet, it’s important to react immediately to prevent long-term organ damage and even death. First, move your pet to a cooler area, either indoors in the air conditioning or near a fan or in the shade. Provide cool water or allow your dog to lie down in a lake or baby pool. You can also use cool, wet clothes or towels on the animal’s armpits, neck, and between the hind legs. Finally, contact the veterinarian immediately or take your pet to an animal emergency center.

Be Mindful of Your Pet’s Condition This Summer

For more pet tips on heat stress and how you can protect your pet, contact the Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego at (858) 292-6116.

Locations

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital

Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
Closed