Most of us look forward to the warmer weather that the summer months bring. However, if you are a pet owner, the hot sun and humid conditions could be a potential danger to your beloved companion. Heat stroke is a preventable condition that, unfortunately, continues to take the lives of many animals every year. Every pet owner should know what to do to prevent his or her pet from overheating. In addition, pet owners must be aware of the signs of heat stroke and know what to do if it does happen to their pet.

Pet owners must realize that humans and animals respond differently when they get too hot. Humans are able to sweat in order to cool themselves; dogs and cats cannot sweat and rely on panting to make themselves more comfortable. When it gets very hot and/or humid, though, panting is not a very efficient method of cooling off and, as a result, dogs and cats can overheat. With dogs this is especially true if they are overweight; have a thick coat; have heart or lung problems; or have a short muzzle (e.g., Bulldogs or Boston Terriers).

Heat stroke can be prevented. When the weather is warm, animals MUST have access to plenty of water and should not be left outside for long periods. If you must leave your pet outside, make sure that it has a cool, shady area in which to rest. Additionally, if you exercise your pet, do it in the early morning or late evening – NOT in the middle of the day when the rays of the sun are strongest. Finally, NEVER leave your pet in a car, even if you leave the windows down. Your pet could die of heat stroke in as little as 10-15 minutes!

If your pet is overheating, it will usually appear sluggish and may not respond to you calling it. Your pet’s tongue and gums may be bright red and very dry, and it may be vomiting or have diarrhea. Your pet also may have a very unusual breathing pattern, it may be panting very hard, and it may have a high heart rate. Also, remember that your pet’s feet are not protected from the hot pavement beneath it. If your pet appears to be having trouble walking, it may be because its feet are too hot.

If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these signs, you MUST contact a veterinarian immediately. Treat heat stroke as an emergency! Dogs and cats that overheat can develop kidney problems, bleeding disorders, and brain damage very rapidly, sometimes within a few minutes. As a result, the animal can go into a coma and die. On the way to the veterinarian’s office, you can cool your pet with wet towels, by spritzing it with cool water, or by providing ice chips for it to chew. However, these are not substitutes for veterinary treatment.

Remember, heat stroke can be prevented by providing your pet with a cool place to rest and lots of water. If your pet shows signs of overheating, take it to a veterinarian immediately. And don’t forget, your pet relies on YOU, the owner, to take good care of it!