Parkway Animal Hospital's

PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO

Preventing Heat Exhaustion


A closed car or a poorly ventilated garage can be a death chamber for your pet during hot weather. You can prevent heat exhaustion simply by taking a few precautions.

The Progression of Heat Exhaustion

Once the process of heat exhaustion begins, it progresses rapidly toward coma and death unless measures are taken immediately to reverse the rise in body temperature. Heatstroke results when the body temperature, normally 100.5o-102.5oF rises to 105-110oF. Pug-nosed breeds, obese pets, and older pets are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Cartoon of a dog

In addition to rise in temperature, heavy panting occurs and the mucous membranes of the mouth initially become bright red. As the condition progresses, the feet and legs become hot to the touch and the bright red mucous membranes in the mouth turn pale because of decreased circulation. At this stage, pets may involuntarily void watery diarrhea.

Swelling in the brain may develop, causing critical complications. Involuntarily paddling movements and tremors may occur. The pet often appears to be unaware of its surroundings. They eventually lapse into a coma, the panting reflex stops, and they die of respiratory arrest.

Treating Heat Exhaustion

Animals suffering from heat exhaustion need IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT! IF you are not within seconds of veterinary help, initiate cooling the pet before bringing in the pet.

Survival largely depends on the duration and degree of heatstroke. Since the disease progresses rapidly, the speed with which the pet is cooled down and brought to the clinic for emergency treatment is critical. However, complications develop so rapidly, even emergency measures may not save the heatstroke victim.

The best cure is prevention!


OUR MISSION:

Parkway Animal Hospital Logo "We embrace the art of healing and the science of medicine to enrich the lives of our animal companions.
We support you in making informed decisions that allow your pet to enjoy wellness as long as possible.
Our hospital team inspires an atmosphere of compassion and respect for our patients, our clients, and for one another."

 

Brought to you by:
Maxine R. Gilvey, D.V.M.
Diona L. Krahn, D.V.M.
Janine Sagris, DVM
Naomi B. Barnea, D.V.M.

(919) 460-1296 Fax
1610 Old Apex Road
Cary, North Carolina 27513


Go to the ABOUT PARKWAY ANIMAL HOSPITAL pageGo to the ABOUT PARKWAY ANIMAL HOSPITAL page          Go to the NEW PET HANDOUT pageGo to the NEW PET HANDOUT page

Go to the INFORMATION FOR DOG OWNER’S pageGo to the INFORMATION FOR DOG OWNER’S page          Go to the INFORMATION FOR CAT OWNER’S pageGo to the INFORMATION FOR CAT OWNER’S page

Go to the INFORMATION ON OTHER PETS pageGo to the INFORMATION ON OTHER PETS page          Go to USEFUL PARKWAY FORMS pageGo to USEFUL PARKWAY FORMS page

 

 

Hours of Operation:

 Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Wed
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 pm
2:30 pm - 7:00 p.m.

Sat
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

Phone:

(919) 460 - 0741

Fax:

(919) 460 - 1296

 

 

After Hours Emergencies:

Contact our after hours emergency clinic at:

The Animal Emergency Clinic of Cary

220 High House Rd
Cary, NC
(919) 462 - 8989