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Things are heating up at this time of year, but your pet shouldn’t be one of them!!!

Updated: Nov 30, 2023

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious – even life threatening! Unlike humans – your pets can’t sweat through their skin😓. They instead pant to cool themselves down or sweat through their paws or nose.


There are many signs to look out for when it comes to heat exhaustion🔥. Prevention is far better than cure as sometimes the damage is irreversible.


Signs include but are not limited to:

  • Vigorous panting

  • Dark red gums and their tongue may turn blue

  • Thick saliva

  • Tacky/dry gums

  • Vomiting 🤮

  • Lethargy (lazing about or not wanting to move)

  • Anxious pacing, disorientation or stumbling

  • Seizures, collapse or even coma

There are many ways to prevent heat exhaustion which include:

  • Avoiding vigorous exercise on hot days

  • Having somewhere shady to rest if outdoors.

  • If your pet is kept indoors allow windows to be open or fans/air-conditioning be turned on.

  • Always have fresh cool water available

  • Never leave your pet alone in the car on a hot day🚗.

  • Keep in mind obese pets and pets of certain breeds like brachycephalic (our little squishy face friends) are more likely to tire out first or are unable to regulate heat effectively.

If you suspect your pet has heatstroke please take action immediately. Remove your pet from the hot area or sun, start at home first aid and contact your regular vet or closest emergency vet hospital.


Here are some at home first aid tips.

  • It is very important to only use cool water. DO NOT use icy/cold water as this may cause hypothermia❄.

  • Body parts to concentrate on are the head, neck, stomach, inner thighs and pads of the paws.

  • Soak a towel with cool water and focus on cooling the areas mentions above.

  • Also use a cool wet towel and wrap it around your pet. Make sure to keep changing the towel frequently with a new cool wet towel. This is because the towel can heat up quickly and you don’t want to add to your pet’s heat stress.

  • If signs do not improve your pet will need immediate Vet attention.


If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call 07 3288 1822.


Happy Holiday Season!!!🎅


Stephanie – Senior Vet Nurse



Image courtesy of Petplan Pet Insurance

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