Heat Stroke in Pets

🌡️☀️ HEATSTROKE IN PETS - WHAT TO KNOW! 🐶🐱

As the temperatures rise, so does the risk of heatstroke - a life-threatening emergency, especially for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals. Unlike us, pets can't sweat to cool down, making them more vulnerable in warm weather.


💡 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET COOL:
✅ Always provide fresh, cool water
✅ Walk early in the morning or late evening
⚠️🐾 Pavement test: Place the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds - if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws
⚠️ Be vigilant and look out for melted or soft tarmac on paths or roads - it can burn paws in seconds!
🛑 Never leave your pet in a parked car - not even for a minute
🌳 Provide shade
✅ Use cooling mats, damp towels, or pet-safe fans, close blinds/curtains
✅ Keep pets indoors during peak heat hours (check your weather app for temps)
✅ Offer frozen treats or ice cubes for a fun cool-down!
🌳 Keep an eye on flat-faced breeds, older pets, young pets, overweight pets, giant breeds and those with thick coats - they’re more at risk.

🚨 HOW HOT IS TOO HOT? AND WHAT CAN YOUR PET SAFELY DO?

🌤️ 20°C – 23°C (68–73°F):
✅ Light activity is generally safe for most pets
🏃 Short walks - outside of peak hours, gentle play in shaded areas
💧 Keep water available and avoid long runs

☀️ 24°C – 27°C (75–81°F):
⚠️ Use caution, especially with brachycephalic (flat-faced), older pets, young pets, overweight pets, giant breeds and those with thick coats - they’re more at risk.
✅ Stick to very short walks during early morning or late evening
🚫 Avoid intense games like fetch or running
🌳 Let them explore shaded gardens instead of paved streets

🔥 28°C+ (82°F+):
⚠️ High risk of heatstroke
🚫 Avoid all outdoor exercise during peak hours
🏠 Stick to indoor enrichment—treat puzzles, frozen kongs, training games
🧊 Use cooling mats, fans, or damp towels to help regulate body temperature

🐇 IF YOU HAVE RABBIT OR SMALL MAMMALS OUTSIDE:
👉 Keep their hutches in the shade
📰 Cover the front with newspaper to block direct sunlight - rabbits can overheat very quickly
🌞 All caged pets (even indoors) should be kept out of direct sunlight
🕊️ Keep a close eye on birdcages or aviaries near windows, where temperatures can soar.

🚨 SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE:
🔸 Excessive panting
🔸 Drooling or foaming
🔸 Lethargy or confusion
🔸 Vomiting or collapse
🔸 Bright red gums or tongue


🚨 IF YOU SEE SIGNS, ACT IMMEDIATELY:
🚿 Gently cool your dog using a cool (not ice-cold) shower or bath
🧺 Cover with soaked towels
🕒 A dog can die within 15 minutes of developing symptoms - every second counts
📞 Time is critical. Contact us immediately on 01 8853253 or reach out to the Pet Emergency Hospital on 01 2609920🩺💙

📞 01 8853253
📍 Cara Veterinary Group – Dublin 15 & Dublin 7

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