Expert veterinarians warn about how to prevent heatstroke in pets, the risks of thermal stress, and offer key guidelines to ensure animal welfare during the summer.
With the increase in seasonal temperatures, the risk of pets suffering from hyperthermia increases exponentially.
The heatstroke in pets is a medical emergency that occurs when the animal’s body exceeds its thermoregulation capacity, reaching critical internal temperatures that can cause multiple organ failure in a matter of minutes.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats do not sweat through their skin, but regulate their heat mainly through panting and the pads of their paws, making them more vulnerable to extreme weather.
Symptom Identification: When to Act?
The early recognition of warning signs is vital for the animal’s survival. Specialists agree that a heatstroke in pets usually manifests through the following indicators:
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Excessive and difficult panting: It is the most evident sign that the animal is trying to cool down unsuccessfully.
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Hypersalivation: Production of dense and sticky saliva.
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Alteration of mucous membrane color: Gums and tongue of an intense red, bluish, or very pale tone.
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Lethargy and disorientation: The animal appears weak, staggers, or refuses to walk.
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Vomiting or diarrhea: In advanced cases, thermal stress affects the gastrointestinal system.
Fundamental Prevention Measures
To protect pets, it is necessary to implement changes in the daily routine that minimize exposure to heat sources. Prevention is the most effective tool against the effects of the sun:
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Constant hydration: Water must be fresh, clean, and available 24 hours. On extremely hot days, it is recommended to change it more frequently to maintain a pleasant temperature.
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Avoid risk times: Walks should be limited to the early morning or late afternoon hours when the ground is cool. It is crucial to apply the “5-second rule”: if you cannot keep the palm of your hand on the asphalt for that time, the ground will burn your pet’s pads.
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Never leave the animal in closed vehicles: Even with the windows partially open, the temperature inside a car can increase 20°C in less than ten minutes, becoming a death trap.
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Shaded and ventilated areas: If the pet remains outdoors, it must have mandatory access to shaded and ventilated areas.
Risk Groups and First Aid
There are breeds and conditions that require special monitoring. Brachycephalic dogs (flat-nosed like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Boxers), obese animals, senior specimens, and those with dark or very dense coats are more predisposed to heatstroke in pets.
In the event of suspected thermal collapse, the priority is to gradually lower the temperature. Never use ice-cold water or ice, as this can cause dangerous vasoconstriction. Ideally, wet the animal with lukewarm water, ventilate it, and immediately take it to a veterinary center, even if it seems to have recovered, to rule out internal damage.
