How to recognize heat stroke pets
Imagine not possible to let go of your winter clothes on a hot summer day and also the only way to cool off was panting. Dogs and cats have few options to cool off during the summer.
Recognize the signs of intense sun and heat exposure we allow a rapid response is essential in this situation.
The main signs of heat stroke, but not limited to, are:
- Body temperature of 40 °C to 43 °C
- Excessive panting
- Gums and tongue dry and reddened
- Weakness, staggering, confusion...
- Seizures
- Diarrhea and / or vomiting
- Coma, death.
- Risk Factors
The Brachycephalic dogs (short, snout and flat) such as the bulldog, pug, boxer, Pekinese as well as copies of long, thick hair, obese, and those with heart and respiratory diseases are posing a greater risk to suffer heat stroke.
Must intense walks and avoid exercise or during the hottest hours of the day and sunny. The small and enclosed spaces s (carrier, car, balcony, wineries ship) increase the chance of heat stroke from being unable to adequately ventilate. In addition to hot climates are wet, avoid the evaporation capacity of body water and increase the heat sensation.
How to act in case of heat stroke
Immediately take the animal away from the sun and heat, providing welcome shade. If possible we must avoid the concrete and asphalt surfaces and look for land, which is always cooler.
Never leave home without a good supply of water. You have to wet areas with little hair (face, belly, English) with cool water not with ice. Excessively cool water will cause constriction of peripheral capillary cooling even more difficult. Apply wet cloths to the feet and head. You can also offer a few ice cubes to the lama while consulting a vet, but without forcing. It is important that the temperature does not drop in any case of 39 °C.
Sometimes it may seem that everything went perfect but it can happen that some internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain have been affected by that excess body temperature. To discard blood tests and veterinary examination are required.
Under no circumstances leave an animal unattended in a car, not even minimally leaving you open windows, or in summer or winter. In just 15 minutes you can have a dramatic outcome.