Is Your Dog or Cat Having a Heat Stroke?
Summer is here! Which means longer days, warmer weather, and more time to play outdoors with your pets. But beware of having too much fun in the sun—your pet could get heat stroke. And dangerously hot weather can sneak up, with cool, misty mornings turning into sweltering afternoons.
Heat stress, and more dangerously, heat stroke can occur quickly with some of our pets, especially the elderly, or those pets that may have any type of respiratory compromise. Internal temperatures can rise quickly, causing the dog more anxiety, and furthering the respiratory compromise and thereby initiating a dangerous downward spiral.
If your dog appears drunk, with glazed eyes, and is not responding to normal commands, it might be succumbing to the heat. Look out for excessive panting, too. Immediately trying to lower body temperature by hosing the dog off with cool water. As the water evaporates, your dog’s body temperature will cool. Bring your pet into the shade, and give it some water—but not too much! An overdose of liquid could send your animal into shock. As soon as your dog has cooled, transport it immediately to the veterinarian. Even if your animal seems fine, the heat stress could have caused damage to its internal organs.
CEDARCREST Animal Clinic provides medical and surgical care for every stage of your pet's life including preventive wellness care exams and vaccines, spays/neuters, and a variety of specialized care for your dog, cat, avian, or exotic. We are home to the only veterinarian practitioner in Virginia to be double Boarded in Avian and Canine/Feline care and provide care for birds, small mammals, and reptiles of all sorts! Plus, we are home to Virginia's most exclusive dog boarding resort that includes heated floors, an expansive play area, and even webcams so you can watch your pet while you're away. We're located in Fishersville, Virginia, and serve Augusta County and surrounding areas including Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Charlottesville.
