In the summer months, taking care of your dog or cat becomes a bit more challenging when the temperature rises. There is a possibility of heatstroke or dehydration when warm weather is present. Make sure you are aware of the need for emergency pet care in case your pet displays any symptoms of heatstroke. Waldorf Emergency Care has several veterinarians that provide urgent care for pets in the Waldorf area. We have gathered some of the signs of a problem, how to avoid a problem, and what our veterinarians can do when we treat a pet for heatstroke or dehydration.
A pet with heatstroke will likely pant constantly in an attempt to cool the body down. This works in some instances for dogs, but will not work for cats. If you do not provide your pet with water and it continues to pant, it will likely suffer from dizziness, lethargy, and unresponsiveness. At the first signs of a problem, it is best to get your pet to a shaded area where water is available for drinking.
It is wise to be aware of the weather conditions in your area, so you can make arrangements as needed. If the weather is expected to be exceptionally hot or humid, avoid bringing your pet outdoors until the risk of heatstroke has been reduced. Provide your pet with a constant source of water, so it can drink some whenever it is feeling hot. Do not encourage your pet to exercise when the weather is not ideal. Do not leave your pet inside a vehicle for any length of time if the temperature is high or even moderate.
If you suspect your dog or cat is suffering from heatstroke, contact our veterinarians to make an emergency appointment. We are experienced with handling dehydration cases and will use our emergency training to provide urgent care to address your pet’s heatstroke quickly and effectively. This includes hydrating your pet, using cooling apparatuses while monitoring the pet’s temperature, and giving medication if needed.
Our veterinarians will also provide a few recommendations on how to care for your pet if the temperature is high, so you can prevent heatstroke in the future. We are available for trauma incidents in addition to wellness-care visits to keep your pet in the best of health.
