St. John Ambulance offers tips on recognizing heat stoke in pets
July 19, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – This summer has been a scorcher and as we head in to another week of record setting temperatures, St. John Ambulance would like to remind pet owners across the province to watch for signs of heat stroke in their pet(s).
Unlike humans, cats and dogs don’t regulate their temperature through their skin. Instead they pant or sweat through their paws. This less effective way of managing body temperature means that cats and dogs are more susceptible to suffering from heat stroke, and more likely to die from the condition.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke in pets:
- Rapid, noisy panting
- Bright red mucous membranes
- Thick, stingy saliva
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Depression (lethargic behaviour)
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
If you suspect heat stroke, use a thermometer to take the animal’s temperature rectally – if it is less than 40ºC (104ºF), move the animal to a cool spot and offer water and consult with your vet. If the temperature is greater than 40ºC (104ºF), move the pet to a cool area and run cool water over the pet’s body to help the pet cool down (do not use icy water). Transport the pet to a veterinarian for examination and further treatment.
Heat stroke in pets can be devastating and if not caught early can lead to permanent organ damage or death. Owners are encouraged to take preventative measures to help their pet(s) avoid tragedy.
- NEVER leave your pet(s) alone in a car on warm days. Even if it’s not that hot out and the windows are down, cars can accumulate a lot of heat fast.
- Never leave a pet outside without access to shade and water.
- Make sure your pet(s) have plenty of fresh drinking water.
- Check on your pet(s) frequently.
- Avoid excessive exercise and excitement in hot weather.
For more information about first aid for pets and people, visit
www.sja.ca/on or contact your local St. John Ambulance Branch Office.
For over 125 years St. John Ambulance has been teaching first aid in Ontario. Today we train over 155,000 Ontarians annually in first aid and other health care related courses and remains dedicated to saving lives at work, home and play. With over 4,000 volunteers contributing over half a million hours of community service a year, St. John Ambulance is an integral part of the community offering such unique and innovative programs as; medical first response, disaster response, car seat clinics, health and safety related youth programs and therapy dog services. As a charitable, humanitarian organization, proceeds from St. John Ambulance’s first aid training and first aid product sales directly support these vital community services programs. For more information on St. John Ambulance training courses and volunteer opportunities or to contact your local branch, visit
www.sja.ca/on