Too Hot to Handle: Heat Exhaustion in Pets
Being in the great outdoors with your pooch is so much fun during the summer months, with ample opportunity for hiking, walks, frisbee, camping, swimming, and more. Unfortunately, along with the fun comes the risk of too much sun and heat for your dog.
It’s important to understand the signs of heat exhaustion in pets to prevent serious medical problems, such as heat stroke. Read on as the team at Godspeed Animal Care helps pet owners protect their furry friends from the summer heat for a wonderful experience in the outdoors.
Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Pets
When a pet is exposed to intense heat, the body temperature can rise to dangerous temperatures. Anything over 103.5 F is considered hyperthermia. This is when the body goes into heat stroke, which is a life-threatening state that puts the organs of the body under serious duress.
Continue…Is Your Pet Drinking Enough Water?
Most of us have heard that the average adult should drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. It’s also understood that the warmer the weather, the thirstier we become since we lose water through perspiration. But what about our pets?
Dehydration in pets can be a real problem, especially when it’s hot outside. Learn more about the signs of dehydration and ways to encourage water consumption, so you never need to ask yourself, “Is my pet drinking enough water?”
Dehydration in Pets
Dehydration in pets can occur for a number of different reasons. Although pets don’t sweat as effectively or in the same way as humans, moisture loss is the basis of dehydration. Many animals sweat through their paw pads (dogs and cats) as well as by panting, which releases moisture from the lungs in order to cool down the body.
Animals will also seek respite during the heat of the day to avoid losing moisture. For very active animals, replenishing water loss from exercise and play is crucial, yet sometimes, it’s easy to forget to bring water along on those journeys to the park.