Can dogs get heat stroke in California summers? Here’s how to tell if your pet is sick

California residents are already feeling the summer-like heat — and so are their pets.

Heat stroke is common among dogs who’ve been left in hot temperatures and poorly ventilated spaces. According to the American Kennel Club, a heat stroke, also called hyperthermia, is when a dog’s internal body temperature exceeds 105-degrees Fahrenheit. Its normal temperature is generally 101.

In 2017, at least six dogs died in Sacramento due to the heat.

Here’s how pet-owners can spot the signs of heat stroke and how to prevent it:

Common symptoms of heat stroke

According to the AKC, heat stroke is life threatening for dogs and can lead to serious health complications if the illness is caught too late.

Symptoms you should look out for include heavy panting, drooling and rapid breathing. The dog may also have very hot skin, bright red gums and a higher heart rate. The Veterinary Centers of America Animal Hospital said on its website that dogs may have dry or sticky gums, seizures and could look disoriented.

If the heat exposure continues at this time, the kennel club said that the dog’s condition will worsen with symptoms including white or blue gums, drop in blood pressure, hyperventilation and muscle tremors.

Where does heat stroke occur?

The VCA said heat stroke commonly occurs in cars with poor ventilation. Other causes include being outdoors during a hot day without shade or water, too much exercise in hot weather and using a hair dryer on your pet for too long.

Are certain dogs more prone to heat stroke?

Some dogs are more likely to get heat-related illnesses than others.

“Dogs with a restricted airway such as brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs) are at greater risk,” according to the VCA. “In these breeds, clinical signs of heat stroke can occur when the outside temperature and humidity are only moderately elevated.”

Dogs with long hair, that are young or overweight are also more susceptible.

Specific environments can also attribute to heat stroke, such as lack of access to water, sudden weather changes and previous medical conditions.

Can cats get it too?

Although they’re less likely to, cats can get heat stroke, too. Similar to dogs, if a cat’s temperature is above 105, they should get medical care for heat illness, according to Animerge, an animal emergency care.

Symptoms in cats include drooling, excessive panting and grooming, vomiting, loss of balance and sweaty paws.

How to prevent heat stroke

To help your furry friends avoid heat stroke, you can follow advice from the Humane Society, which includes never leaving your pets in a parked car, limiting physical activity on hot days and cooling your pets down with pet-safe popsicles, water, soaks, mats and body wraps.

You should also watch out for humidity, according to the Humane Society. Typically, animals will pant to cool themselves, as it helps evaporate moisture from their lungs. But high humidity in the air will make it more difficult for them to do so.

How to treat heat stroke

If you notice your dog is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, you can help by safely lowering the canine’s temperature.

The VCA recommends placing a cool cloth or pouring cool, not cold, water over their head, armpits, feet and stomach. Placing a fan nearby so the dog can get a flow of air will also bring temperatures down.

It’s best to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately, once temperatures reach 103 or if you’re unable to cool them down. Dogs with severe illness may require medication, oxygen or fluids.

This story was originally published June 15, 2022 at 1:02 PM with the headline "Can dogs get heat stroke in California summers? Here’s how to tell if your pet is sick."