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Heat Stroke in Pets - Common Animal Emergencies in Singapore

Living in Singapore, we know ourselves that sometimes the hot and humid weather can be overwhelming! We must also keep in mind the risk this heat can pose to our four-legged friends. Pets can easily go into heat stroke, which can quickly lead to death in a matter of hours.

Heat stroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature spikes significantly higher than usual (eg 40 Degrees Celsius and above).


Situations that can lead to heat stroke

  • Walking your pet when the temperature or humidity is very high

  • Walking your pet for long periods of time (even if the temperature is cooler e.g. at night, a long walk can cause your pet to become exhausted and overheat)

  • Leaving your pet for extended periods in a confined space such as a car, a small room or a pet stroller. (Spaces without much airflow can quickly become hotter than the outside temperature.)

  • Anytime your pet is being very active (not just on walks) but jumping around, getting very stressed or overexcited even indoors can cause them to overheat.


Pets with a Higher Risk of Heat Stroke

Some pets are at an even higher risk of heat stroke and are less able to deal with higher temperatures, including:


  • Overweight pets

  • Pets with heart disease

  • Pets with conditions leading to narrow airways eg collapsing trachea

  • Brachycephalic pets with flat faces and short airways eg Shihtzus, Pugs, French bulldogs and Persian cats.

  • Very thick furred pets eg  Huskies, Pomeranians and Spitz


Symptoms of Heat Stroke

If you suspect your pet to be having a heat stroke episode they may display symptoms such as:

  • Breathing issues: including excessive panting, breathing with their mouth open, fast breathing rate or noisy breathing.

  • Restlessness

  • Vomiting or regurgitating

  • Collapse

  • Seizuring

 

What To Do When Heat Stroke Happens

If you suspect your pet is having heatstroke and it is safe to do so:

  • Immediately start the cooling process by moving your pet to a cool area ideally with air conditioning or fans blowing

  • Call your nearest vet or 24 hour hospital to arrange bringing your pet over right away as an emergency.

  • Continue to cool your pet whilst on the phone to the vets and waiting for transportation. Ensure the car you are travelling in has AC turned on and is cool before placing your pet inside.

  • You can wet your pet’s fur with room temperature water, BUT never use ice water, never cover your pet with any wet towels or blankets and never apply water if you know your pet will stress or panic even more.


Evidence shows that cooling your pet at home whilst arranging vet care and during transport to the vets can drastically improve survival rates.


Impact of Heat Stroke on Your Pet

Heat stroke can be very serious and have effects such as:

  • Acute respiratory distress

  • Brain swelling

  • Organ failure

  • Internal bleeding

  • Death


If in any kind of doubt, it is always better to bring your pet to be assessed, that way if needed, your pet can receive urgent emergency treatment without delay.


Treatment of Heat Stroke

Treatment for heatstroke will be tailored to each pet, depending on any test results and assessments done by your vet. It may include:

  • Active cooling

  • Hospitalization

  • IV fluid drips

  • Medications such as anti-nausea, anti diarrhoea or anti seizure drugs depending on your pet’s symptoms


Some pets may need to stay in hospital for several days of ICU care.

 

How to Prevent Heatstroke?

  • Avoid walking your pet during the day when the temperature or humidity is very high.

  • If you chose to walk your pets, short walks, late at night or early in the morning are best, try and choose breezy/ shady areas and ensure plenty of stops and water breaks for your pet.

  • If your pet is considered to be “high risk” (see list above), it may be better to avoid walks all together and instead do some enrichment/ games at home inside a cool, air-conditioned room.

  • Never leave your pet unattended in a car, or other closed/ confined space.

  • If you are ever in any doubt about whether to take your pet out or not, always remember:


Your pet will not die from missing a walk, but it can die from a single walk if it overheats.


Please feel free to call Westside Emergency Vet at 6931 0095 for any concerns or emergencies you may have regarding this or any condition with your pet. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any animal hospitalization, emergency vet, and critical care needs.

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