Dr. Matt Schnabl
Veterinary Specialty Center
1515 Busch Parkway
Buffalo Grove
(847) 459-7535
www.vetspecialty.com
Video courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Tips:
Pets predisposed to heat stroke?
Very old and very young dogs
Pets with other illnesses
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Black dogs
Prevention
Walk or exercise early or late in the day
Seek routes with shade
Have water available
Take frequent breaks
Signs to watch for
Slowing down, lagging behind, taking more breaks than usual
Seeking shade
Excessive panting and drooling
More severe cases – wobbliness or “drunk walking,” vomiting, recumbency or unresponsiveness
What to do
Find a cool, shady spot
Offer cool water to drink
Use cool water to also get your pet’s temperature down
Take temperature – 105 is danger zone
Seek closest veterinary care as soon as possible