Committed to educating the Filipino pet community on nutrition and proper pet care, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) shares tips on how pet owners can avoid heatstroke.
Signs of heatstroke
One of the most important things pet owners must know about heatstroke would be its symptoms. The common symptoms include heavy panting, weakness or collapsing, vomiting or bloody diarrhea, seizures, excessive drooling, staggering, and unconsciousness. If pets are exhibiting any of the following, immediately bring them to the nearest veterinary clinic.
How to avoid
Veterinarians remind pet owners that there are several ways on how they can prevent their pets from overheating like taking their pets to the groomers to get a trim. However, these are the easiest ways on how pet owners can help their pets beat the heat or help lower their pet’s body temperature if they are displaying symptoms of heatstroke:
1. Take a dip
Going out for a quick dip at the nearest pool or lake is a great way for owners to bring down their pets’ body temperature. However, pet owners must also remember that a sudden drop in body temperature is bad for their pets because it may cause them to overheat which can damage their organs. Hence, pet parents must slowly guide their pets into the water in order to gradually cool them down.
Those who live far away from pools or lakes may choose to give their pets a quick bath. This, too, is a great and simple way to bring their pet’s temperature down.
2. Use a wet blanket
The goal for any pet owner during the summer time is to avoid exposing their pets to anything that would cause their body temperature to rise. If pools and lakes are inaccessible, they may opt to use a wet blanket to cool down their pet. Owners can do this by simply grabbing a towel or a piece of cloth, run it under some water and keep it in the freezer, then place it on their pet’s head or neck in order to decrease their furry pals’ body temperature.
3. Keep them hydrated
Several veterinarians remind pet owners that water is important to dogs and cats because it not only provides them with the nutrients they need to properly function, but it also hydrates them – an important feat needed in order to avoid heatstroke.
What to do
Pet heatstroke is not a joke; it is a serious emergency. If left untreated, it will lead to fatal results such as death. If owners suspect that their pet is overheating, immediately. Follow the steps above to help lower pet’s body temperature and contact your veterinarian.
PFI is committed in informing pet owners about pet nutrition and proper pet care to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food industry. PFI is the industry's representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food, an industry with more than $20 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2015.