7 Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

This time of year is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather with our pets. While spending more time outdoors can be fun and a great source of exercise, it is important to be mindful of the heat and sun to prevent heat exhaustion in our four-legged friends. Pets are actually more prone to heat-related illness than humans. And some dogs and cats are more susceptible to the heat than others. It’s important to know what symptoms of heat exhaustion to watch for and what to do for your pet if they are in distress.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
If your dog or cat displays any of these symptoms, they may be suffering from dehydration and heatstroke:

  1. Excessive panting & drooling
  2. Vomiting
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Blood shot eyes
  5. Visibly tired and weak
  6. Dry mouth, gums and nose
  7. Skin test – if you pinch an area of loose skin together, it will take longer than normal to fall back into place.

How to Treat Your Pet

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, you should immediately:

  • Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area
  • Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest
  • Run cool water over them
  • Give them small amounts of cool water or ice cubes to lick

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, take them directly to your veterinarian. Be sure to follow these tips to prevent heat exhaustion! And also check out our list of featured products to help keep your pet cool.


Note: Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your pet. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice.

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