Pets don't sweat the way we do — they cool down mostly by panting. In the heat we get here, that often isn't enough, and heatstroke moves dangerously fast. Here's what to watch for.
Which pets are most at risk
None of them are immune to the heat, but some are far more vulnerable:
- Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, boxers, Persian cats)
- Obese, elderly, or with heart/respiratory disease
- Pets shut in a car or a space with no shade
The car rule
Even with a window cracked open, a car turns into an oven in 10 minutes. Never leave a pet inside, not even for a one-minute "I'll be right back".
Symptoms
The earlier you catch these, the better:
- Heavy, noisy panting and lots of drooling
- Red or dark gums, a body that feels hot
- Unsteadiness, confusion, vomiting
- Collapse or seizures — now we're talking serious
First aid — right now
Don't waste time; every minute counts:
- Get it into shade or a cool spot straight away
- Wet it with cool — NOT ice-cold — water: neck, armpits, groin
- Get some air moving, or point a fan at it
- Head for the clinic while you keep cooling it down
What NOT to do
Don't use ice-cold water or ice: it clamps the blood vessels shut and makes things worse. Don't wrap it in a wet towel, because that traps the heat. And whatever you do, don't wait for it to "sort itself out".
Prevention
Never, ever in a parked car — the temperature shoots up within minutes. Walk it early morning or late evening, and make sure it always has shade and fresh water.