Heat Stroke in Pets

Queensland Heat is No Joke

With Queensland's (and Australia's) hot days upon us, it's important to remember that our pets feel the heat too! While we might enjoy the sunshine, high temperatures, humidity and even everyday activities can put our cats, dogs and other pets at risk of heat stress and potentially life-threatening heat stroke.

Signs of Heat Stress and Heat Stroke in Dogs

Signs of heat stress and heat stroke in dogs include:

• Excessive or heavy panting, even when resting
• Excessive drooling or thick, sticky saliva
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Restlessness, agitation or difficulty settling
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness, wobbliness or difficulty walking
• Confusion, collapse or seizures in severe cases.

Signs of Heat Stress and Heat Stroke in Cats

Signs of heat stress and heat stroke in cats include:

• Panting or open-mouth breathing (not normal in cats)
• Excessive drooling
• Restlessness or seeking unusually cool places
• Lethargy or unusual weakness
• Reddened gums or tongue
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wobbliness, collapse or seizures in severe cases.

Heat stroke is a veterinary emergency. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, start cooling them with cool (not icy) water, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area and seek immediate veterinary attention. Do not delay veterinary care, even if they appear to improve.

Keeping Your Pets Cool

Here are a few simple ways to keep your pets cool:

• Always provide access to fresh, cool drinking water
• Avoid having your dogs travel in tin trays or without proper rubber mats in the back of utes - we often see paw pad injuries and heat stroke 
• Keep pets indoors or in shaded, well-ventilated areas during the hottest parts of the day
• Avoid exercising your pets during peak temperatures - early mornings and late evenings are generally safer, but always assess the temperature and humidity
• Check pavement temperatures before heading out for a walk - if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws
• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car - even for only a few minutes or with the windows partially open
• Consider cooling mats, paddling pools and other safe ways to help your pets beat the heat.

Which Pets Are Most Vulnerable in the Heat?

Remember, some pets are more susceptible to heat stress and heat stroke than others.

Some of the more vulnerable pets include:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds 
• Older pets
• Young animals
• Overweight pets
• Those with underlying health conditions.

 Each of these pets, in particular, may struggle more in hot and humid conditions.

Our emergency team unfortunately sees the consequences of heat stress regularly, and we want to help prevent these emergencies wherever possible. If you are ever concerned about your pet's health, please don't hesitate to seek urgent assistance from your family veterinarian or head straight to your nearest VSS hospital. 

Early action can make all the difference.

Stay cool, stay safe and look after your furry friends this summer.