The weather in Thailand, no matter what season, is undeniably hot and humid. The most popular disease that people bring their pets to be treated for is “Heat Stroke” or what Thais know as “Sunstroke”. Especially in Thailand where the sun is so strong that our eyes are going to pop out, even people like us can hardly stand the heat and have to find something to help cool down. Our pets can also be hot, but they can’t complain. And if they get sunstroke, it can be dangerous to the point of death! Today, we will introduce everyone to heatstroke so that we can prepare ourselves if it happens to our pets.
Heat Stroke What is?
“Heatstroke” or “Heat Stroke” in pets is a condition in which the body of an animal is unable to release heat, causing the body temperature to be higher than normal, which is higher than 41 degrees Celsius. The increased heat will have a negative effect on the functioning of various internal organs. Moreover, this disease can occur in all types of pets, especially dogs and cats because normally dogs and cats have sweat glands only on the soles of their feet and noses. Therefore, cooling down mainly relies on breathing and panting. If their bodies cannot release heat in time, heatstroke will occur.
Heatstroke can easily occur and is more common in dogs than cats, especially long-haired, thick-haired, and short-faced breeds. Moreover, this condition can easily occur due to external environmental factors, such as hot and humid weather, being in a humid area with poor ventilation. When an animal’s body is overheated, it will cause stress, resulting in a decrease in the amount of blood circulating in the body, resulting in low blood pressure, and the heart pumping less blood to the body. Cooling that requires blood as a medium is impaired, causing heat to accumulate in the body, leading to heatstroke. This can happen to dogs, cats, rabbits, or other animals. If the symptoms are severe, these animals may even die.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Pets
1. Body temperature higher than 41 degrees Celsius or 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Have symptoms of shortness of breath, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or breathing more violently than usual.
3. Abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat
4. Drooling, wet nose and mouth
5. Dark red gums
6. Having seizures, muscle tremors, unconsciousness, or possibly death.
How to provide first aid for heat stroke in pets
Proper first aid is something everyone should know when their pet suffers from heatstroke. The key is to lower the animal’s body temperature, but not too quickly. Here’s how:
1. If your pet is in a hot, crowded place, bring him/her to a well-ventilated place immediately. Then remove any clothing or collars that make the pet uncomfortable.
2. Use a wet cloth to wipe the body, including wiping under the feet, armpits and groin to help dissipate heat. Use room temperature water to wipe. Do not use very cold water or water that is too warm because the animal may go into shock.
3. Massage the legs to stimulate blood circulation.
After first aid is complete, the pet should be rushed to the hospital for a veterinarian to perform a thorough diagnosis and treatment. Never give medication without the veterinarian’s approval.
How to prevent heat stroke in pets
Heat Stroke often occurs during hot and humid weather. Owners must frequently monitor their pets' symptoms while they are running or exercising. If your dog seems to be panting more than usual, it may be an early sign of heatstroke. Avoid letting your pet be in hot and poorly ventilated areas and keep water available for your pet to drink at all times. You may also want to add an ice cube for him to lick to cool down.
Heatstroke is a silent danger that is very scary for pets. We humans should not be so concerned about COVID that we neglect heatstroke symptoms in our pets. Because Thailand is hot all the time, heatstroke can happen to our pets at any time. Therefore, owners should pay attention and observe symptoms. If there is an abnormality in our pets, we should give them first aid and take them to see a veterinarian immediately.
References
PetMD. (2010). Heatstroke in Dogs. Retrieved June 13, 2021, from Pet MD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_heat_stroke
PetMD. (2010). Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia in Dogs. Retrieved June 13, 2021, from Pet MD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke
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