Domestic Pets

Injury Guide

HEATSTROKE

Unlike man,cats & dogs do not sweat,but eliminate heat in other ways

Dogs, by faster and shallower breathing with open mouths to evaporate nasal secretions and extended tongue

Cats by licking, so that saliva on the coat evaporates

If the body temperature rises abnormally high, animals develop heatstroke

Especially those kept in very hot and badly ventilated surroundings or vehicles - which defeat normal heat regulation

CAUSES

BEING KEPT IN CARS PARKED IN THE SUN: Most common cause is being kept too long in a car exposed to direct sunlight with the windows closed

ASSESSMENT

BREATHING SIGNS: A rise in body temperature causes a marked increase in the rate of breathing

With the neck and tongue extended and sometimes a frantic search for openings that might let in some air

Eventually the worsening situation will result in the animal colapsing and finally becoming unconscious

If you have a thermometer, take the rectal temperature - which may go beyond 40 degrees C. The heat will be obvious, just by putting an open hand on the body or head of the animal

TREATMENT

REMOVE IT FROM SOURCE: Carry the animal to a shady and well-ventilated spot

WET IT: Wet it thoroughly with cold water and a fan it with a paper or a piece of cardboard to evaporate the moisture and in consequence, lower the temperature

If you have a garden hose handy,use it to gently wet the animal without alarming it

Alternatively - the animal can be immersed in water, keeping its head above water

When it regains consciousness, apply a source of cold, such as an ice pack, to the head and keep it there for several minutes

If you must transport the animal by car, wait for 30 minutes or more before starting the journey. Ensure that the interior remains well-ventilated and if necessary, wet the animals head and back from time to time

**************************