513 Oak Ridge Turnpike - Oak Ridge, TN 37830 - Phone: (865)483-6614 - Fax: (865)483-2955
Summer is coming and here are just a few reminders to help keep summer fun and safe for your entire family!
It is important to remember that our pets can overheat faster than we can. Heat stroke is a very common, and dangerous, side effect of the summer heat.
Heat stroke is when pets overheat and the heat gain exceeds the body's ability to dissipate heat. High temperatures cause chemical reactions that break down body cells which lead to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes blood clotting and subsequent death to tissue. Liver, brain and intestinal cells are usually the first to be affected and this can occur quickly. Normal body temperature for a dog is about 101 F to 102 F. If his temperature reaches 106 F, he is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure and death. Reducing body temp quickly is imperative. A dog who recovers can still have organ damage and lifelong health problems. Temperatures above 106 F are extremely dangerous.
What is Heat Stroke?
What are signs of heat stroke?
~Rapid, frantic panting
~Wide eyes
~Thick saliva
~Bright red tongue
~Vomiting
~Staggering
~Diarrhea
~Coma
~NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, not even for a few minutes! The heat inside a parked car can reach as much as 40 degrees above the outside temperature in just a few minutes.
~If your dog stays outside be sure to provide adequate shade, ventilation, and cool drinking water.
~Be sure that outside water containers are large and hard to knock over.
~Crate in wire crates to help increase air flow
~Grooming heavy coated dogs in the summer can help them deal with the warmer weather.
~Exercise your pet in cooler parts of the day. Avoid any activity during the middle of the day.
What should I do if I think my pet is suffering from Heat Stroke?
~Call your veterinarian immediately
~Get your pet out of direct heat
~Check for signs of shock
~Take their temperature
~Spray them down with cool water
~Place water-soaked towels on their head, neck, feet, chest, and abdomen
~Turn on a fan and point it in their direction
~Rub small amounts of alcohol under their legs or on their foot pads
How can I help prevent my pet from suffering from Heat Stroke?
~If you like to travel with your pet remember that cars get very hot, very quickly. The following charts are taken from a study API did to illustrate how quickly cars heated up in the summer sun.
