September Newsletter

HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT...

Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle. The temperature inside of a closed vehicle can reach up to 105°F very rapidly, even if it is only 90°F outside. Cracking the windows and parking in the shade can help, but only for less than 5 minutes. If you must bring your pet somewhere where they cannot come inside, it’s best to leave them at home.

Avoid leaving your pet in a garage or outdoor kennel where shade and water are not available.

Try to walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler and the pavement is not warm.

Be aware that certain pug-nosed dog & cat breeds, obese pets, and older pets are more at risk.

Always have fresh, cool water available for your pets! 

But what's the big deal?

With summer temperatures in Flagstaff soaring into the 90’s, it is crucial to make sure that your pet is cool and comfortable. Your pet’s temperature can rise very quickly in hot weather and heat exhaustion becomes a danger.

Once the process of heat exhaustion begins, it progresses rapidly toward heat stroke, which can result in a coma and is sometimes fatal.

If an animal has heat exhaustion, measures need to be taken immediately to reverse the rise in body temperature before it progresses any further.

The normal body temperature of your pet is 100°F – 102.5°F. Once their body temperature rises above 105°F, they are at risk for heat exhaustion.

And don’t be fooled, heat exhaustion can affect ANY animal! 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

The progression of heat exhaustion begins with:

· Heavy panting

· Bright red gums

· Hyperventilation

· Hypersalivation

As the animal’s temperature rises above 105°F, circulation in the mucous membranes becomes pale. At this point there may be:

· Vomiting

· Watery diarrhea

If not treated right away, these symptoms will progress into something much worse. The animal’s brain can swell, forcing them into a coma, at which time organs will fail and eventually they will succumb to respiratory arrest. 

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a very serious condition that requires immediate emergency treatment. If your pet is experiencing this, get them to the veterinarian immediately. There they can administer fluids and medication to prevent swelling in the brain.

IF YOUR PET IS EXPERIENCING HEAT EXHAUSTION...

Initial cooling before arriving to a veterinarian is crucial. You can place a cool, wet towel over the animal or pour a small amount of water on their armpits, belly, chest, or paws.

Never use very cold water (such as refrigerated or ice water). This drastic change in temperature could cause an animal to go into shock.

Take the animal’s temperature rectally every 10 minutes. If it drops below 103°F, stop the extra cooling methods. 

This newsletter was brought to you by the doctors and staff at Westside Veterinary Clinic.

Phone: (928) 779-0148
Fax: (928) 779-0149
Email: contact@westsidevet.org
Web: www.westsideveterinaryclinic.com