During the hot summer months, it is essential that you keep your pet cool and hydrated. If your pet is left outside in the heat too long, they can become dehydrated and even develop heatstroke. Dehydration and heatstroke are serious conditions; therefore, it is essential that you know how to prevent these conditions from occurring. It is also important that you can recognize the signs that your pet is in trouble so you can take them to Miami Shores Animal Clinic for immediate treatment.

Causes of Dehydration

Your pet can become dehydrated in a couple of ways. First, if your pet is sick and has been vomiting or has diarrhea, they can become dangerously dehydrated. Your pet can also become dehydrated if they are left outdoors in the heat for too long without water.

Signs of Pet Dehydration

There are a few ways to tell if your pet is dehydrated. If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, you should get them to the vet immediately.

  • Loss of skin elasticity
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive panting
  • Low energy
  • Dry nose
  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry sticky gums
  • Thick saliva

Causes of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can occur when your pet’s body temperature rises above the normal 100 to 102.2 degrees. Cats and dogs have very few sweat glands, which makes it very difficult for them to cool themselves down the way that humans can. Your pet can develop heatstroke if they are left outside in the sun for too long. Heatstroke can also occur if your pet is left in a hot, unventilated house for too long.

Signs of Pet Heatstroke

Heatstroke is very dangerous in pets. If it is left untreated, heatstroke can cause kidney damage, respiratory distress, sepsis, acute pancreatitis and even death. Because it is such a serious condition, you should be able to recognize the signs that your pet has heat stroke. If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, you should rush your pet to the veterinarian.

  • Excessive panting
  • Increased heart rate
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Body temperature over 104 degrees
  • Bright red gums
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Treating Dehydration and Heatstroke

If you suspect that your pet is dangerously dehydrated, you should bring them to the vet right away. In most cases, your pet will need IV fluids to rehydrate them slowly. Most pets won’t want to drink when they become dangerously dehydrated, which is why the must be hydrated medically.

Because heatstroke can cause so many health complications, you will need to seek medical attention for your pet. To get your pet’s body temperature down quickly and safely, the vet will use an IV catheter to administer cooling fluids. In serious cases, a blood transfusion might be performed.

Veterinarian in Miami Shores

If you suspect that your pet is dehydrated is experiencing heatstroke, bring your pet to Miami Shores Animal Clinic immediately. These are life threatening conditions that require immediate medical care. For more information on pet heatstroke, pet dehydration, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (305) 757-3030.