Hot Dogs and Heat Stroke - first prevent it!

It's hot. And it's very hot in some places. Since our animals can't take off their fur coats or take a refreshing dip anytime they want, heat related dangers are real.

Have you ever put yourself in their shoes and walked around in your winter parka on a hot summer day? Try it. It's not pleasant.

Have you ever walked across hot, black pavement with say, only socks on? Try it. It's not even remotely pleasant.

But, more than just unpleasant, the summer months can arrive with dangerous risks for your dogs and cats.

Heat stroke can rapidly occur if a pet is left in a car, boat, home or even in the back of a truck exposed to sun.

Our pets' (dog and cats) normal body temperature is 101.5, compared to our 98.6. Since their fur coats are not removable and they can only dissipate heat via panting or sweating in their paws. Panting is not only a lot of work, but, is an inefficient way to reduce body heat quickly, especially if the air they are breathing is hot.

I’m getting anxious and hot just thinking about it!

The average car can heat up to 120 degrees within 15 minutes! Add that to an already warmer pet, well, it's not pretty.

I don't like to market fear, but, heat stroke is one of the most awful things that can happen to your pet.

The death from heat stroke is painful for the animals, and I can tell you the guilt for the pet parent is unbearable. Unfortunately, it can happen much easier than you think. I’ve treated dogs for heat stroke and hope I never see one again!

This post will help educate you so you can think and plan ahead to avoid any heat event.

Signs of heat stroke in your pet:

• Hard panting, difficult breathing

• Rapid heart rate

• Restlessness

• Increased thirst

• Dizziness, loss of coordination, trembling

• Salivation

• Very, very red gums

• Very, very red skin - abdomen, ears, nose, etc.

• Vomiting, bloody diarrhea

• Seizures, loss of consciousness

• Temperature over 104 degrees

Which pets are predisposed to heat stroke:

• Short-nosed dogs

• Pets new to hot weather (not acclimated)

• Thick-coated pets

• Dogs and cats with past history of heat stroke

• Pets left in the car on a hot day

• Dogs or cats with poor sun shelter and protection - it’s not just in cars where danger lurks, but in your home or yard.

What can you do for your pet if you see signs of heat stroke? First, don't panic!

• Spray or pour cool water on the feet, belly and head

• Apply cold/wet towels to the feet, belly and head

• Turn on a fan

• Attempt to decrease body temperature to 103 within 15 minutes

• Homeopathic remedies

• Get to the vet asap! Don’t hesitate, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Homeopathy can help!

If you are a homeopathic aficionado, worried about heat stroke happening to your dog this summer, and want to have immediate support on hand have a look at my curated homeopathic kits. These kits provide many remedies for the common emergencies and much more, making your home pharmacy a powerhouse of healing!

And in my 3-part introductory course on HOMEOPATHY FOR PET EMERGENCIES, we discuss using homeopathic remedies for all sort of emergencies. Purchase your homeopathic kit here.