Heat-Related Conditions in Pets that Require an Immediate Visit to an Emergency Vet

During cold months, we are worried about pets getting one of the winter weather ailments. When it is hot outside, there are even more dangerous things that the summer weather can do to our four-legged family members. They include heat strokes, heat exhaustion, and burns from hot pavement, to name a few.

Symptoms

The most common signs of a heat-related condition are the following:

• Excessive panting
• Passing out
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Bright blue or red tongue and the gums
• Poor coordination

If you noticed at least one of these symptoms in your pet you need to take your pet to an animal hospital or your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What can you do to help your pet?

The first thing you can do is to get your dog or cat out of the heat. Then you need to make your pet drink some water or at least wet the pet's tongue. Then you should bring your four-legged friend to a pet emergency vet to make sure that he will be able to recover.

Prevention of heat-related conditions

There are ways to prevent heat-related illnesses or minimize their risk:

• Make sure your pet always has access to water.
• Never leave your pet in a car alone, even when it’s only warm outside.
• Have a cool and well-ventilated space for your pet. Outdoor pets should also have access to shade.

Mission Veterinary Clinic & Animal Emergency Hospital in Granada Hills

Our animal hospital and pet emergency vet has served the four-legged patients of Granada Hills since 1998. Out highly qualified staff has years of experience providing a variety of veterinary services, including vaccinations, labs and radiology, orthopedic surgery, spay and neuter, dermatology, and helping animals with heat-related heat conditions. If you think that your pet may have suffered a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or any other serious condition, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.