With summer here in Northern San Diego and temperatures ever rising, pet parents should familiarize themselves with the common causes and signs of heat stroke in pets. Heatstroke is essentially a form of hyperthermia without fever. Pets suffering from heatstroke will exhibit temperatures anywhere between 104-106 degrees. Some common signs of heatstroke include:
- Dehydration
- Heavy and/or fast panting
- Excessive drooling
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors or wobbly gait
- Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
- Decreased or no urine output
It is important to notice these signs and get your pet help right away. Allowing your pet to stay in a high body temperature state could cause major organ failure. Below are some tips to help keep your pet cool and safe from heatstroke this summer.
- Constant access to cool, fresh water
- In high heat areas allow pets to be in an air-conditioned environment
- Take your dog on walks during cooler parts of the day
- Avoid excessive exercise in high heat
- For hairy dogs and cats ask your groomer about a belly shave to allow them to lay on cool floors to help keep them cooler
Whether you live in Rancho Santa Fe, Del mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas or Oceanside if your current residence does not have air conditioning, try an indoor dog daycare, where your pup can romp around with other dogs and stay in a cool, safe environment. It is always best to talk with your groomer about grooming and grooming techniques that may help with keeping your pet cool this summer.
For any other questions and concerns about heatstroke in pets, dog day care, or grooming, please visit our website at www.pawcommons.com, or call us at (760) 452-4166.