Heat Stroke Risk in Townsville.

With the weather we experience in Townsville, heat stroke in our pets can occcur at any time of the year but in the summer months it is more common.

Heat Stroke (also known as hyperthermia) is a condition when the core body temperature exceeds the normal range. Heat stroke can affect both dogs and cats, and is a serious condition. In some cases heat stroke can even be fatal.

Risk factors for heat stroke can include:

• High humidity and high temperatures. Which we experience in Townsvillle regularly.
• Lack of shade
• Lack of drinking water
• Excessive activity or exercise
• Some breeds of dogs and cats (Dogs/Cats with squished up faces tend to have more problems cooling down)

If your animal has been affected by heatstroke you may notice some of the following signs:

• Constant panting or difficulty breathing.
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Weakness followed by collapse 
• Seizures

If you suspect your animal has suffered from heatstroke, it is important to seek veterinary advice straight away. Wet your pet down and place under a fan before doing anything.

On arriving at the Vet clinic a number of things may be done depending on the severity of the condition

• Cooling patient down with cold water and fans.
• Placing the animal on intravenous fluids to treat shock, correct dehydration and help the kidneys
• Placing the animal on oxygen to help their breathing.
• Performing blood and urine tests to determine extent of organ damage.
• Medication and close monitoring.