Summer is here! At this time of year, overheating is a big concern for those of us in the animal care industries. Fluffy and Fido are already wearing fur coats, and they can’t cool down by sweating. Pets can become dangerously hot in just a few minutes in scorching weather, so you’ll need to pay close attention to the potential warning signs. A local Roanoke, VA vet lists some of them below.

Panting

This is usually the first thing you’ll notice. It’s not unusual for Fido to pant a bit if it’s warm, or if he just chased a squirrel around the yard, but he shouldn’t continually be panting. This is also a red flag in kitties. With brachycephalic pets, who can easily go into respiratory distress, panting should be treated as an immediate concern.

Drool

While some pups are a bit slobbery, you should take note any time Fido is drooling heavily. Thick or ropy drool is also a cause for concern. Drooling in cats is also a red flag.

Reduced Urine Output

This is a sign of dehydration, as it clearly indicates that your pet needs more water. Dark urine is another warning sign.

Vomiting/Diarrhea

These things can be indicative of many different health conditions, but they are also potential indications that a pet is dehydrated or has heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Disorientation

If Fido seems to be dizzy, or is stumbling around, you’ll need to act quickly. This is a huge red flag!

Dehydration

Dehydration goes hand-in-paw with overheating in pets. Some things to look for would be dry eyes, fatigue, sunken eyes, and the dark or reduced urine output we mentioned earlier. Skin pinch tests can help with some animals, but it really depends on their skin and coat type.

Discolored Gums

Your fuzzy pal’s gums are an indication of their overall condition, and can signal heat exhaustion and dehydration. Dark, bright, gray, purple, or pale gums are all red flags.

Trembling

Heat exhaustion can also cause pets to have muscle tremors. This may just look like shivering or shaking, but is another sign that your furry friend is in trouble.

Lethargy

This is another serious indication that something is wrong. If your four-legged friend seems weak and/or listless, they need medical attention immediately.

As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re here for you. Call us anytime!