06/21/2025
With the temperatures rising for the next several days, here are some important reminders to keep your pet safe. These are especially important for very young and senior pets, as well as those with respiratory issues such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs etc, and patients with heart disease. Please stay safe!
Summer Emergency Preparedness:
Avoiding Heat Stroke / Hyperthermia
Summer is here - so of course in Michigan this week we are feeling it full blast!! Though we like to think of all the positives and fun of the summer, being prepared for emergencies can save the day and your pet!
Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke) is more likely to occur in dogs since they tend to be exposed to more situations that can increase their body temperature (such as being in a car, going for walks, or playing outside). That being said, cats and other pets can also suffer heat stroke and the associated damage it causes.
HYPERTHERMIA CAN BE LIFE THREATENING – PROMPT VETERINARY CARE IS CRITICAL
WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?
Heat stroke is a condition where the body temperature has elevated to a point of causing damage. Your dog or cat should have a body temperature between 99F and 103F. A body temperature higher than this is considered a fever. A temperature higher than 106F is associated with tissue damage, inflammation, organ failure, and heat stroke. Heat stroke may not kill your pet immediately, but without treatment, damage to organs can be fatal within a day. When the body temperature has risen above 106F your pet can experience problems ranging from difficulty clotting the blood, renal failure, seizures and death. Heat Stroke is not a condition to be taken lightly and treatment must be prompt for any chance of survival.
WHEN CAN MY PET DEVELOP HEAT STROKE?
Though there are physiological reasons for the body temperature of an animal to increase (similar to a fever related to an infection or pain) most severe cases of hyperthermia are related to environmental causes. In the summer, people continue to jog, play, and do other activities that can cause their body temperature to increase, but we generally adapt to different clothing, increased water intake, finding shade when we’re hot, etc. But we don’t always adapt our pet’s world to the same degree. Keep in mind that if the heat is affecting you, it is also affecting your pet.
During hot weather follow some basic guidelines for keeping your pet safe and comfortable:
• DO NOT leave them in the car – even when the windows are partially open – this may be the most common cause of hyperthermia in dogs
• Cut back on the walk – don’t take that jog with Fido – consider that your pet is wearing a fur coat and can only sweat through their feet and tongue – how would you feel on that jog?
• Realize that your pet may not limit themselves – if you keep throwing that ball, they will keep retrieving it without regard for their physical condition
• Offer cool spaces – shade, fans, air conditioning, and wading pools are just as pleasant for your pets as they are for you
• Watch your pet for any signs of hyperthermia and act quickly
IS MY PET AT RISK FOR HYPERTHERMIA?
All pets are at risk in the right situation, but some breeds are more likely to suffer from hyperthermia.
Brachycephalic Breeds: does your pet have a squished face and short nose? Then breathing is already difficult for them, when they get warm they are not very effective at panting and can overheat easily.
Older Pets: older dogs and cats can have trouble dealing with the heat
Young Pets: puppies and kittens cannot regulate body temperature
Sick Pets: especially pets with heart disease or lung diseases. Pets that have thyroid disease are also prone to overheating. Avoid putting these pets into hot situations.
Obese Pets: the extra layer of fat is not helping your pet
Thick Coated Pets: that extra fur traps heat well, which makes them perfect for cold environment. However - the summer heat is their enemy.
HOW CAN I TELL MY PET HAS OVERHEATED?
If you pet has been exposed to excessive heat and you suspect they may have overheated, your first move is to take their temperature. An inexpensive fast read, digital thermometer works great and should be part of your first aid kit for your pets. If the re**al body temperature is over 103F then there is reason for concern. If the temperature is over 106F your pet is critically ill and needs to get to a veterinarian ASAP.
In general, if your pet is acting ill after playing outside or being in a car, you should check their temperature. But other symptoms that can occur include:
For minor cases – panting, drooling, dry/tacky gums, lethargy, reddened gums, quickened heart rate, muscle tremors and not acting like themselves
For moderate cases – depression, they may be hiding and avoiding people, injected (very red) gums, diarrhea, vomiting, and quick or irregular heartbeat
For severe cases – vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, internal bleeding, seizures, coma, and death
If there is any chance that your pet has become hyperthermic, veterinary attention is highly recommended regardless of the severity.
HOW DO I DEAL WITH HEAT STROKE?
First and foremost, prompt veterinary care will be very important. Transport your pet to the veterinarian in an air conditioned car. However, there are some measures you can take at home to help slowly cool down your pet.
• Get into air conditioning – get your pet out of the heat
• Put rubbing alcohol on the paws – these are the areas where you pet usually release heat and the alcohol evaporates more quickly
• Place your pet in front of the fan – help dissipate the heat around your pet
• Moisten your pet’s fur with cool, not cold water – the water evaporates and takes heat with it
• Place ice packs on your pet’s abdomen and neck – make sure any ice packs are wrapped in towels and not in direct contact with the skin/fur
It is critical that the cooling process be SLOW. Do not douse your pet in ice water. DO NOT allow your pet to drink large amounts of water, small sips are fine, but drinking lots of water will lead to vomiting.
Hyperthermia / Heat Stroke is a real danger in summer but if you take precautions and know what to look for, it can be avoided and caught early, increasing the chance of survival and recovery.
If your pet has any health problems and your regular veterinarian is unavailable, please feel free to call us at AEC 24/7. We are always here to help!
