Acting quickly if your pet has heatstroke or dehydration could save his life. First, teach yourself the symptoms of heatstroke and dehydration that appear in pets so that you can know when he needs help. Next, find an animal hospital to take your pet to in your local area. If you are in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, trust us at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital to take care of your pet.
Dehydration in Cats and Dogs
Dehydration in your cat or dog can happen at any time of the year and in any weather conditions, although it is much more common during the summer. Some pets may have health problems that keep them from drinking enough water and others might have dehydration that happens from heat exposure. If you do not cool your pet off and get him water to drink, dehydration increases the chances that he will experience heatstroke.
Signs of dehydration in cats or dogs may include the following:
- Pale gums
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Dry nose and eyes
If you notice any of these signs, try to get your pet to drink water while you bring him to our animal hospital. Because severe dehydration can cause organ damage, you need to get your animal treated as soon as possible. A veterinarian on our veterinary team can help find the cause of dehydration if your pet has a health problem that made him prone to not getting enough to drink.
Symptoms of Heatstroke in Pets
Heatstroke happens when your pet’s body temperature rises to a dangerously high level, usually from exposure to high temperatures. Pets that get locked in the car frequently suffer from heatstroke and death.
Signs of heatstroke are severe and can appear suddenly. Watch out for the following:
- Dehydration
- High body temperature
- Vomiting
- Muscle tremors
- Unconsciousness
Your dog or cat needs immediate care for heatstroke. This is a medical emergency for your pet. Permanent organ damage or death may occur if you do not get prompt veterinary treatment for your animal.
How a Veterinarian Helps Your Pet with Heatstroke or Dehydration
A vet on our team will help to stabilize your pet. Depending on the level of dehydration, your animal may need supplemental intravenous (IV) fluids. While restoring fluid, a vet on our team will also look for signs of organ damage, blood pressure fluctuations, and other changes that could warrant additional care.
Get Animal Care from a Veterinarian at Our Animal Hospital for Pet Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Heatstroke and dehydration require prompt care. If you notice signs of either of these in your pet, contact our animal hospital. Call (604) 536-3131 to let our staff know that you are bringing your pet in and you suspect that it needs treatment immediately. By letting us know that you are coming, we can prepare for your pet’s arrival and get it cared for as quickly as possible.
We love all the pets we treat at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital in in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. You can trust our veterinarians and our staff to give your pet the best animal care that we can.