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Florida’s Late Summer Climate Conditions Cause Heat Stroke Cases to Soar
Tampa, FL – Veterinarians at Florida Veterinary Specialists (FVS) warn of the increase in cases of pet heat stroke due to exertion or exercise in hot weather. They have seen a rise in cases this summer.
“Many people typically think of heat stroke being caused by confinement in a hot car, but there are different and more common ways for pets to get heat stroke,” says Dr. Miryam Reems, Emergency Veterinarian at Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa. “Exercising your pet during hot parts of the day is dangerous and deadly.”
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate, either through exercise or exposure. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately upon the recognition of symptoms.
Rheem’s number one rule is “Don’t’ exercise your pet in the middle of the day. Walk your pet before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. and still practice caution.”
Heat stroke occurring by exertion or exercise usually occurs when pets are exposed to ambient temperatures. The heat index is typically above what the actual temperature is and needs to be considered when exercising.
“Humans sweat, but dogs and cats don’t. When they cool themselves it’s though respiratory measures, which is especially difficult to do in hot conditions.” says Reems. “Pet owners love their pets enough to exercise them outdoors, but without knowing the risks of heatstroke and how to avoid them, they could be literally exercising their pets to death.”
Reems explains what to do if you suspect heat stroke:
1. Don’t exercise your pet in the middle of the day.
2. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, don’t dunk your pet with cool water if as this can cool the body too fast.
4. Soak your pet’s body with towels and water, and put them in front of fan if possible; then bring to them to your veterinarian hospital immediately.
Reems also explains, “People who recognize symptoms and can react, tend to have pets that can do better. Any breed, any age pet can get heatstroke. Heatstroke can happen within just a few minutes.”
Signs of Heatstroke
- Excessive panting
- Profuse salivation
- Glazed eyes or staring
- Anxious or restlessness
- Gums and tongue turn bright red or purple
- Confusion
- Trouble standing or walking
- Collapse
- Vomiting
How to avoid heatstroke:
Exercise pet before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Recognize that even exercising during these times doesn’t prevent heatstroke. Your pet can still get heatstroke – even while swimming.
“Heatstroke is 100% preventable, which is why it’s so important to know about, and why it’s so sad when we see patients with it.” Reems concludes.
Ways to Prevent Heatstroke:
- Keep pets inside on hot days. Even if your yard has shady areas, they can shift throughout the day.
- Always have water available. Whether inside or out, be sure your pet has clean cool water to drink at all times. If you go for a walk or an outing, take plenty of water along.
- Keep pets well groomed. This helps their fur do what it is intended to do—protect from sun and insulate from heat. If the coat is matted and tangled the fur may actually trap heat.
- Limit activity and maintain pets at a healthy weight. Keep walks at a gentle pace and if your pet seems tired, rest a bit or stop the activity. Limit longer walks to early morning or evenings when the sun is not direct and temperatures are more comfortable.
Media Opportunity: Dr. Miryam Reems and Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Anthony Ishak, are available for media interviews. Dr. Reems is part of the Critical Care Service and Dr. Ishak is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Florida Veterinary Specialists state-of-the-art facility is designed and equipped to provide emergency, specialty and critical care for pets. Specialty services include: dermatology, neurology, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, radiology, surgery acupuncture and more. It’s located at 3000 Busch Lake Blvd. in Tampa. The emergency service is accessible 24 hours a day when a regular veterinarian is not available. FVS provides after-hours, weekend and holiday emergency services for many veterinary practices.
Find out more at: www.fvs.com.
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