Heatstroke
Learn how to recognize the signs!
READ Information NOW .... Before it's too late!!!

Heatstroke occurs when your pet's body temperature gets too high.

When an owner leaves a pet in a parked car, even with the windows open, temperatures in a car can climb to lethal degree levels within minutes. (Even if the temperature is in the 70's and 80's.) Heatstroke can happen while you are exercising with your pet. Even if your dog has been exercising with you all year, remember as the temperature starts to rise so will your pet's body temperature. Try to exercise first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
When outside, a dog must always have a shady shelter and access to cool water - Do Not place water where it is sitting in the sun. (Failing to provide shelter and water is against the law!)

Dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting, but in some conditions, that's not enough to adequately lower their temperatures.

The following are SIGNS OF POSSIBLE HEATSTROKE:
  • Excessive panting and drooling.
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
  • An elevated heart rate - Normal heart rates: DOGS - 70-160 beats per minute,  CATS - 160-240 beats per minute.
  • Notable lethargy or odd behavior, seizures, or very red gums.
  • Pet is walking very slowly or oddly.
  • Has collapsed and/or becomes unconscious.

IMPORTANT:    IF YOU SUSPECT HEATSTROKE:

  • Move your pet to the shade or   preferably inside to an air conditioned area. 
  • Apply cool water NOT cold water. You can submerse your pet in a sink, bathtub, or wading pool for 'a minute' or so at a time.
  • If you are not able to lift your pet, you may use a garden hose to wet your pet down with cool water. (Make certain the water is cool and start by wetting the paws, legs and neck  and then wet the rest of the body.) If you do Not have a hose nearby, then place Wet towels (or even wet clothing) on your pet's paws, neck and head (do Not cover nose).
  • If possible, take temperature. Your goal is to get the temperature down to 104 in the first 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Call your veterinarian AND then get to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

NOTE:  It is very IMPORTANT to seek veterinary medical advice as soon as possible since there can be serious conditions that can result from heatstroke that may appear only after several hours, such as brain swelling, seizures, kidney failure, and blood-clotting abnormalities. The animal could also go into shock or a coma and could die. (Along with your own ID,  ALWAYS carry the phone number of your vet AND the phone number of an 'after hours' Animal Emergency Hospital.  If you have a cell phone, make sure these phone numbers are included in your phone's memory.)

Ask other  family members to read this important information.  Make a copy of this information to place with a first aid kit.

With a little common sense and carefully watching your pet, you can help protect your good friend and perhaps even save their life.  


When outside, a dog must always have a shady shelter and access to cool water!
Failing to provide shelter and water is against the law!  Cruelty Laws
REPORT CRUELTY!!!!


Keeping your dog OUTDOORS and Doggy Doors .... Click Here


Purchasing a Doggy Door -
Petsmart sells several price and types of Doggy Doors including 'Economy' Doggie Doors,
'Electronic' Doors and even Doggy Doors to use with a 'Sliding Glass' door!

'Economy' Dog Door
(About $29.99 & up - based on size of dog.)
  'Electronic' Dog Door - Only lets your pet in and collar has a glow in the dark feature! (For dogs who like the best!!)

Patio Door Panel - For Sliding Glass Doors.

Block off a section of your home for your pet to use.
Regular size  'Swing Open' Doggy Walk-Thru Gate.

Extra Wide  'Swing Open' Doggy Extra-Wide Gate


To Crate or Not to Crate .... Click Here


Information on Emergencies.

When outside, a dog must always have a shady shelter and access to cool water!
Failing to provide shelter and water is against the law!  Cruelty Laws
REPORT CRUELTY!!!!


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