Prevent Your Pet from Overheating

Heatstroke is a severe condition that can lead to organ failure or even death in pets. At Sheehy Animal Hospital in Livonia, we provide heat stroke diagnosis and treatment to prevent the situation from worsening and claiming your precious animal's life. Our veterinarians are here to keep your pet alive and healthy!

Causes of Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

Hot Weather

Leaving your pet in the car when it's hot can cause heatstroke. For instance, if the weather outside is 70 degrees, the temperature inside your closed car can rise by 20 degrees within ten minutes. If you leave your pet for more than ten minutes, the heatstroke may cause fatal conditions like organ failure or even death. If you observe advanced heat stroke symptoms in your pet, visit our Livonia  animal hospital immediately for effective treatment.

If your dog is outside without water or an appropriate shelter when it is hot out, it can cause him or her to have a heatstroke. That is why our veterinarians emphasize practicing pet tips such as not exposing your dog to hot temperatures. Over-exercising mostly on hot days is also another cause of heatstroke in dogs and cats.

Few Sweat Glands

Unlike human beings who have sweat glands all over the body, pets have few sweat glands in their paws. They pant or sweat on the pads to regulate their body temperature, which is not very effective. Hence, dogs and cats are more prone to getting heat stroke than humans.

Some of the factors that may make your dog or cat more susceptible to heatstroke include:

• Age - If your cat or dog is very young or old
• Being overweight
• Thick coats
• Pre-existing conditions, for instance, heart problems.
• Flat-faced pets like Persian cats and French bulldogs

The Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

Early signs of heatstroke include panting, drooling, red gum/tongue, increased heart rate, vomiting, and diarrhea. Advanced heatstroke symptoms include lethargy, seizures, confusion, and collapsing.

What Should You Do If Your Dog or Cat Gets Heatstroke?

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek medical assistance immediately. This is a very serious condition and it needs to be professionally addressed quickly.

Visit Our Livonia  Animal Hospital for Effective Pet Heat Stroke Treatment

Your pet experiencing a heatstroke can be a very stressful experience. That is why our team at Sheehy Animal Hospital in Livonia provides exceptional veterinary services to avoid heatstroke in animals. To learn more about the services we provide, call us at (248) 615-7670.