Friday, 23 June 2017

Heat stroke in cats and dogs

Your car can get hot enough to cause your cat or dog’s death even when the windows are down or the car is in the shade.
Do you know how fast the temperature rises in a car?

The temperature inside a car can reach higher than 50°C after only five minutes when the temperature outside is 32.5°C (in tests conducted by the RACQ). During this test, the inside temperature reached over 75°C in less than two hours. The tests also showed that the colour of the car, the tint on the windows or even leaving the windows open did not reduce the cabin temperature by a significant amount, nor did parking it in the shade.
How should you treat a pet with heat stress?

Cats and Dogs suffering in the same way from heat stress they will pant, drool and become restless. Over time, they become weak and the colour of their gums may change. They may also start to stagger and experience vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.
Heat stroke is an emergency and your cat or dog needs to be checked by a vet as soon as possible. Emergency treatment is aimed at bringing the body temperature down at a steady rate; spray cool water onto your cat or dog’s body and use a fan. Don't use ice or ice-cold water as this may cool your dog down too rapidly.

Remember always seek expert vetenary attention.

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