The sweltering Indian summers are just around the corner and so are the possibilities of your dog and cat being exposed to dehydration and a possible heat stroke. While we can’t control the climate, we can surely take all the precautions to keep our pets safe from the heat. Here’s everything you need to know about dehydration and heat stroke in pets.
What Is A Heat Stroke?
A heat stroke is a serious life-threatening heat-related illness that is caused due to excessive heat or severe dehydration. If you live in cities that get really hot, you must take extra care to keep your pet safe from the heat.
Symptoms Of Heat Stroke In Dogs
- Heavy panting
- Frequent exhaustion
- Excessive drooling
- Rise in body temperature
- Restlessness
- Dry and sticky gum
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Loss in appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
First Aid & Medical Help
- In case you observe the above symptoms, do not panic. Immediately get medical help.
- Till the time the medics arrive, take your dog to a cool place with some shade. Record their initial body temperature. For dogs, the ideal body temperature needs to be not more than 39.4°C (103°F ). While for cats, the ideal body temperature needs to be not more than 39.167°C (102.5º F).
- Give them cool (remember: NOT iced) water and keep observing their temperature every 10-15 minutes. This record will be helpful for the medical staff.
Tips To Prevent Heat Stroke In Dogs
1. Hydration
Ensure your pet receives plenty of fresh drinking water at all times. Keep your pet’s water bowls in different places around the house so they’re always reminded to stay hydrated. For your dog, remember to not let them drink milk as most dogs are lactose intolerant.
Remember: Each dog is different and so are their hydration needs. Weight, age and breed also play a significant role, so keep these factors in mind when adding water to their diet.
2. Create chill zones around the house
Keep your pet away from direct sunlight during peak summers. Close your windows and make sure the curtains are drawn, especially between 12-4 pm in the day. Always have some form of ventilation by keeping the AC on at a comfortable temperature or by placing standing fans at a safe distance from where your pet usually prefers to sleep or relax.
Tip: Power outages are extremely common in India. Hence, you’ll want to be prepared. Look out for signs mentioned above and keep your pet hydrated.
3. Moisture-rich diet
Add wet dog food to your pet’s diet. Wet pet food has high water content that can provide additional hydration, especially if your pet is fussy when it comes to drinking water. If you do continue to feed kibble, hydrate it in some water or broth and then feed. Always keep a bowl of water next to the food since kibble is dry in nature. This is also a great time to introduce fruits like melons, apples, berries – these are rich in water and can have a cooling effect on dogs.
Tip: Make it a note to check if your pet’s wet food is complete or complementary. If it’s the latter, you’d have to mix dry dog with it. Consult your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet.
4. Step out in cooler parts of the day
Walks are extremely important, especially if you have a dog too, love to explore the outside. However, it’s advised to stay indoors when the sun is at its peak—between 10 AM and 6 PM. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to step out. Avoid pavements as they can harm your pet’s paws. Always carry plenty of clean water.
5. Ensure regular grooming
The key to summer grooming is to trim and not shave. Many pet parents feel that no fur would make our pet’s bodies cooler. However, that’s a misconception. Your pet’s fur helps them insulate their body from taking on too much heat. Moreover, shaving fur can cause a lot of skin allergies and infections.
The heat can also make your pet’s fur a home for ticks and fleas. If your pet has long hair, combing during cooler parts of the day can help remove any knots or excess shedded fur. It also gives you a chance to check for ticks and fleas.
7. Breed Specific Care
Believe it or not, your pet’s breed also plays a role in how vulnerable they are to heat. For dogs, if you have a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed like a Pug, Bulldog or French Bulldog, their short snouts make them more sensitive to hot weather. Working or hunting breeds such as Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds can also get hotter faster. Cool areas in the house, access to different surfaces and rooms that the dogs can choose themselves to cool themselves down will be super helpful for these dogs. For cats, long-haired breeds will require extra attention and care..
