Keeping your pet safe from heat stroke

MISSOURI (KBSI) – The American Red Cross urges for folks to keep their pets safe from overheating.

As temperatures continue to rise in Missouri, it’s important to make sure your pet is staying hydrated and know the signs of heat stroke during the summer.

Don’t leave your pet in a hot car, even with the windows cracked.

The inside temperatures can quickly reach 120 degrees.

Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.

Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are:

• Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down
• Brick red gum color
• Fast pulse rate
• Unable to get up

If you think your animal may be suffering from heat stroke you can take their temperature rectally and if their temperature is above 105 you should cool them down. The quickest way to cool an animal down is to use a water hose.

When their temperature reaches 103 you should stop cooling the animal and get them to a vet’s office as quick as possible.

Heat stroke can cause severe organ damage.

Keep your pet at their best:

• Give your pet plenty of exercise.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water and shade.
• Make sure your pet has yearly checkups and is up to date on vaccines, especially rabies.
• Get your pet spayed or neutered.
• Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation.
• Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available.

You can download the Red Cross First Aid app for more information on how to be prepared for animal emergencies.

Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.