Heat Emergencies and Dehydration
Signs:
Panting (excessive), lethargic, unable to stand, uncoordinated movements, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Actions:
Move your pet to a cool area as soon as possible, seek shade or the indoors. Keep them calm and still, DO NOT try to get them to stop panting, this is how your pet expels heat. If water is nearby, encourage your pet to stand or lay down in cool water. Put small amounts of water on the tongue, or offer them ice cubes to eat. If not vomiting, your pet should respond rapidly (10 to 15 minutes). If your pet does not seem to respond to the cooling therapy, if they lose consciousness or have great difficulty breathing, or the skin on the back of their neck does not spring back to normal position immediately when pulled, seek veterinary care immediately. Light coloured animals can get sunburned just like people. Encourage them to stay in the shade and ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on sun blocks for your pet.