Owning a pet means being responsible for its health and welfare. For advice on all your animal concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
Heat stroke happens when your pet’s body can’t cope with the external heat, leading to illness, organ failure and even death. Humans sweat to help regulate their body temperature, but dogs don't have prominent sweat glands, so they rely on panting to cool off. Cats will sometimes groom themselves as a cooling mechanism but may also pant. Due to this limited ability to cope, dogs and cats can be overwhelmed by the heat.
Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Temperatures in a car can skyrocket in a short period of time, even with the windows rolled down.
Be aware that certain dogs are more susceptible to the heat than others, including overweight pets and those with long hair, thick coats or short faces (such as English and French bulldogs).
Keep plenty of fresh water available.
Use air conditioning, fans, cooling pads or a kiddie pool.
Plan walks and exercise for the morning or evening hours when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t as strong. You might have to shorten walks or exercise periods, especially with snub-nose dogs.
While dogs are at greatest risk, cats and other small pets can also suffer from heat stroke if left in the sun or in a confined, hot space.
Excessive panting
Muscle twitching
Anxious or dazed look
Vomiting
Weakness
Increased drooling
Diarrhea
A pet suffering from heat stroke needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Follow these guidelines to protect your pets from being exposed:
Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. Eating some plants can be fatal to a pet.
Keep cleaning products away from your pet. Some products may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause burns to the tongue, mouth and stomach.
When using pest bait or traps, put them in areas that aren't accessible to your pets. Most bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar, which can also attract your pets.
Never give your pet medication unless directed by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly for animals. For example, one 500 milligram acetaminophen tablet can kill a cat weighing three kilograms (seven pounds).
Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pet’s reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.
Never leave chocolate or foods containing xylitol in reach. Even small amounts can be dangerous if ingested.
Many common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dish detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and hand and foot warmers are all highly toxic, even in small amounts.
Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that aren't accessible to your pet. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat weighing three kilograms (seven pounds, and less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a dog weighing nine kilograms (20 pounds).
Read the information on labels before using a product on your pet or in your home. Always follow the directions. If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on cats, and if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
Make sure your pets don't go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store these products in areas that aren't accessible to your pets.
If you're uncertain about the use of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
Cannabis of any type is not approved for use in animals, and giving products to your pet may have unknown side effects, unproven effectiveness and could result in a medical crisis. Signs of cannabis toxicity in pets:
Lack of balance and coordination
Fatigue or weakness
Excessive salivation
Vomiting
Dilated pupils
Disorientation
Slow heart rate
Change in body temperature
Sensitivity to light and sound
Urinary incontinence
If you think your pet has ingested cannabis, take them to a veterinary hospital immediately, and don’t be afraid to tell the veterinarian that your pet has accidentally ingested cannabis products.
