Why Heatstroke Happens — and How to Prevent It in Dogs and Cats

It's surprisingly easy to get overheated in the hot summer weather. You might feel fine one minute and sick and dizzy the next. But while you can just grab a cold drink and head inside to cool off, your pets are a different story. Dogs and cats can't tell you when they're feeling sick. And if you don't notice the signs, overheating can quickly escalate into a life-threatening case of heatstroke.

Preventing heatstroke in dogs and cats is far easier than treating it. And the good news is that you only need to take a few simple steps to help your furry friends stay cool.

What is heatstroke in dogs and cats?

Heatstroke (also called hyperthermia) is a life-threatening case of overheating where your cat or dog's body temperature gets so high (above 104° Fahrenheit) that their organs can become damaged and shut down. And because your pets can't cool their body by sweating like humans do, they're more susceptible.

While all cats and dogs can get heatstroke, the following groups are more at risk:

• Brachycephalic breeds: Short-muzzled or flat-faced breeds, like a Persian cat or Pug dog, have a tougher time panting and dissipating heat.

• Young or elderly: Very young and very old pets can't regulate their body temperature as well.

• Have certain medical conditions: Pets of any age with kidney, heart, or respiratory issues are more at risk.

If you suspect your dog or cat might have heatstroke, go to your veterinarian right away because you're dealing with a medical emergency. You also want to cool down your pet on the way to the veterinarian, such as wetting them with tepid water and giving them small amounts of cool water to drink. Don't use cold water, as this could be too much of a shock to their system.

Some symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting; thick drool; rapid heartbeat; confusion; vomiting; diarrhea; red, pale or blue gums; seizures; and weakness.

Tips for Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

To prevent heatstroke, you need to keep your cat or dog cool. This is easier when pets live indoors and a little more difficult if you're caring for outdoor pets, like feral cats, that can't come inside. But you can still do a lot to help your furry friends stay safe.

Provide lots of cooled water

Dehydration is one of the first indicators of developing heatstroke. So make sure your pet always has access to lots of water. If you're taking your dog for a walk, bring a water bottle and portable bowl.

If you're outside — even if you're just in your backyard — provide lots of cooled water in shaded spaces to drink. This is important for any outdoor pet, but especially for feral cats that may live nearby.

The K&H Coolin' Bowl is a great way to keep your pets (and stray cats) chilled. The bowl has an innovative cooling core and double-walled insulation to help keep water cold for more than 15 hours. Just fill the inner core of the bowl with water to activate the Coolin' Gel Crystals, shake it, and keep it in a freezer overnight. Then add water in the morning and set it outside in a shaded place.

Give your pet a chilled bed or mat to relax on

Cooled mats or beds can be a wonderful respite when the weather gets hotter, especially if you set them up in a shaded area. The K&H Coolin' Comfort Bed is a great option. This bed has a thick orthopedic foam core for comfort, and it doesn't use electricity or toxic gels. Just add water through the fill cap. To make it extra cold, keep it overnight near the AC before using it outside the next day.

Provide a shaded space to escape the sun

Whether you're taking your cat outside for a harness walk or your dog for a potty break, make sure they can access shaded spaces to escape the sun. This is especially important for feral cats that live outdoors and need places to cool off during the heat of the day.

The shaded space can be an open patio, trees with lots of leaves, or even just tarps. You might want to put a K&H Original Pet Cot in the shade too. Because it's raised off the ground and has breathable mesh in the center, there's more airflow to help keep the cot cool in the heat.

Give your dog a pet-sized pool to play in

Your dog will love soaking in cool water when it's warm outside. So consider investing in a K&H Dog Pool & Pet Bath. This pool is great for dogs that love water and for pet parents who don't want to expose their dogs to chemicals in a traditional swimming pool. The sturdy metal frame keeps the pool from collapsing, and it assembles in just minutes. The pool also has a drain plug at the base, which makes it easy to empty when you're done.

Never leave your pet in a parked car

Even if the windows are slightly open, the temperature inside a car can reach 102°F in just 10 minutes when it's only 85°F outside. So don't take any chances. Never leave your dog or cat alone in the car.

Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours

Do you want to take your dog for a hike or your cat for a walk on a harness, even during the summer? On hot days, try to limit your outings to the early morning or evening hours when it's a little cooler.

Watch Your Pets Closely in the Summer Heat

Heatstroke is a dangerous emergency that can sneak up on you and your pet. To guard against it, limit exercise to the cooler parts of the day during the summer months. And for pets like stray cats that can't be brought inside, provide lots of shade and cooled water to help keep them comfy.