Your cat or dog could be at risk for heatstroke and dehydration as Indian summers become hotter. We can’t alter the weather, but we can take the appropriate steps to shield our pets from the heat. Here’s what you need to be aware of about dehydration and heat stroke in your pet.
What is a Heat Stroke?
It is a potentially fatal health condition caused by extreme heat or dehydration. If you live in cities where temperatures are extremely hot, it is essential to be extra careful to keep your pet safe from the heat.
Symptoms Of Heat Stroke In Dogs
- Heavy panting
- Frequent exhaustion
- Excessive drooling
- The body temperature increases
- Reluctance
- Gum that is sticky and dry
- Heartbeat irregular or rapid
- A loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Heatstroke in cats The signs
- Heavy panting
- Sweaty feet
- Excessive drooling
- The temperature of rectal tissue increases
- Restlessness
- Gum that is sticky and dry
- Over-grooming for cooling down
- A loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
First Aid & Medical Help
- In case you observe the above symptoms Do not be alarmed. Immediately get medical help.
- Bring your pet or cat to a shady, cool location until the vet arrives. Note their body temperature at the time of first. For dogs their ideal body temperature needs to be not more than 39.4degC (103degF ). For cats, it is not recommended to reach 39.167degC (102.5o F) for the ideal body temperature.
- Give them cool (remember: NOT iced) water and keep observing their temperature every 10-15 minutes. This will assist medical personnel.
Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs as well as Cats
1. Hydration
Make sure that your pet gets plenty of fresh drinking water at all times. Keep your pet’s water bowls in various places within the house to ensure they’re always reminded to drink water. For your cat, remember not to allow them to drink milk since most cats are lactose-intolerant.
Remember: Each cat and dog is unique and also their needs for hydration. Be aware of their weight, age, and breed when adding water to the diet.
2. Create chill zones within your home
Make sure your pet is kept out of direct sunlight during summer. Close your windows and ensure the curtains are drawn at least between 12-4pm in the daytime. Always make sure you have ventilation. You can do this by keeping your AC on at a comfortable temperature or placing standing fans at an appropriate distance from the area your pet is most likely to rest or sleep.
HUFT Tip: Power outages can be very common in India. It is essential to be prepared. Look out for signs mentioned above and keep your pet well-hydrated.
3. Moisture-rich diet
Add wet dog food or wet cat food to your pet’s food diet. Wet pet food is high in levels of water, and can provide an additional source of hydration, particularly in the case of pets who are fussy when it comes to drinking water. If you continue feeding kibble, you can make sure to hydrate it with water or broth and then feed it. Always ensure that you have a bowl of water close to the food as kibble can be dry in nature. Fruits like apples and melons are also a possibility to introduce during this time. They are rich in water content, and also have cooling effects on dogs.
TIP HUFT: Make a note to check if the wet food your pet is complete or complementary. If it’s the latter, you’d have to mix dry dog or cat food into it. Talk to your veterinarian prior to altering the diet of your pet.
4. Take a walk in cooler times of the day
It is vital to take walks particularly for those with dogs. Cats, too, like to go for walks. However, it’s advised to stay indoors when the sun is at its peak -at leastbetween 10 AM and 6 PM. The early mornings and late evenings are the ideal times to get out. Avoid paving because it could cause your pet’s feet to become injured. Carry lots of water.
5. Be extra vigilant when you travel.
Do not leave your cat or dog at home alone in a vehicle. Even if the windows appear broken, the lack of ventilation can trigger an attack of heat. Be sure to keep the AC on and to keep your body well-hydrated.
If you’re going out to attend an emergency during the peak heat hours, use pet carriers or cat carriers to transport your pet. It will protect your pet from the heat.
READ MORE: Why It’s essential to keep your dog cool in the car
6. A regular grooming routine is vital.
The most important thing to remember when grooming your pet for summer is to trim but not cut or shave. A lot of pet owners believe that no fur would make our pets’ bodies look cooler. This isn’t the case. The fur of your pet helps protect their body from taking on excessive heat. The shaving of fur can cause allergic skin conditions and irritations.
The scorching heat can make your pet’s fur a place for fleas and ticks. When you are combing your pet’s hair during cooler periods of the day, you can get rid of knots and fur that isn’t needed. This gives you the chance to examine your pet for fleas and ticks.
Read More: How To Eliminate Ticks and Fleas
7. Breed Specific Care
Your pet’s breed can also determine how sensitive to temperatures. For dogs, if you own a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed like one like a Pug, Bulldog or French Bulldog, their short snouts are more prone to heat. Breeds that are trained to hunt or work, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, can also become hotter. Cool places in the home Access to various areas and surfaces that the dogs can use to cool down can be extremely helpful to these dogs. For cats, breeds with hair that is long will require extra attention and consideration.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the normal body temperature for my pet?
The body temperature of both dogs and cats differs. For dogs, the ideal body temperature should be not more than 39.4degC (103degF ). For cats, it’s not recommended to reach 39.167degC (102.5o F) for the ideal body temperature.
2. What can I give to my dog if he is dehydrated?
The best solution is water. Allow your dog to drink as much cool water as they wish to. Make sure you do not give them iced water as it could be harmful. It’s recommended to bring your pet to the nearest vet when you notice signs of heat stroke or dehydration.
3. How do I determine the dehydration of my dog?
To determine whether your pet is dehydrated, keep an eye out for the signs. Early signs of dehydration include the excessive drooling of dogs and a lot of droo. Dry and sticky gums are also common. The most severe symptoms are a sudden rise in body temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea and an irregular or fast heartbeat.
4. What are the signs of dehydration in cats?
Some signs of dehydration in cats include excessive panting and drooling excessive grooming to cool off, loss of appetite and energy dry and sticky gums. Other symptoms that can be more severe include diarrhoea and vomiting.
5. What should I feed my pet if they’re dehydrated?
It is possible to give your pet wet dog food or wet cat food when you suspect they’re not getting enough water. Fruits like apples, melons and berries are a good source of water and can provide cooling effects to dogs. You can give cats cucumber and watermelon. Talk to your vet prior to changing your pet’s food.
6. How long do heatstroke symptoms persist in cats and dogs?
There isn’t an answer that can be guaranteed to this question. The duration of symptoms will vary from pet to pet since each animal reacts differently heat. The signs and symptoms, as well as the treatment, all depend on the initial care that your pet receives from you as well as the veterinarian.
