Heatstroke
Louise McIntosh of Johannesburg writes I often see people walking their dogs on the hot tar in the heat of the day. What are the signs of heatstroke and what should you do if you suspect your pet has it?
Dr Rouxlene Sheridan of Tygerberg
Animal Hospital, replies Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and should always be treated as an emergency. It can cause swelling of the brain, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding and abnormal clotting of blood. The symptoms include the following:
All pets Dizziness, vomiting, little to no urination, fast panting, bright red tongue, either dark red or pale gums, diarrhoea, weakness and lethargy.
Additional in dogs A dazed appearance, drooling or excessive saliva, uncoordinated movement and fainting or collapse.
Additional in cats Anxiety (the cat paces a lot), nose bleeds, seizures and tremors. How can I prevent heatstroke? • Ensure your pet has a cool, well-ventilated area with fresh clean water. Outdoor pets should also always have access to shade. • Never leave your pet in a car. • Avoid exercising animals in hot weather. • Avoid hot sand, concrete and tar. A rule of thumb: put the back of your hand on the pavement and if you can’t keep it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pup’s feet. What must I do when I suspect my pet has heatstroke? • Remove your pet from the hot environment immediately. • Spray cool water onto the animal’s fur and skin. Then switch on a fan to maximise heat loss. You can also place a cold, wet towel on its back or place your pet in cold water. If the animal is unconscious, make sure no water enters the nose or mouth as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia. • Let your pet drink as much cool water as it wants without forcing it to drink.
REMEMBER Even if your pet looks like he might be recovering, or you just suspect that he might have heatstroke, always take him to the vet. On the way there, open the car windows or put on the air conditioner. Emergency treatment includes a drip, cooling enemas, supplemental oxygen, medication, blood tests to check organ function and ongoing monitoring.
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