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Urgencias

Heatstroke

A dangerous rise in body temperature that the animal cannot bring down. It is an emergency that can be FATAL within minutes. Dogs and rabbits do not sweat: they cope far worse with heat.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats🐰 Rabbits

This may be a veterinary emergency

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY. Start cooling it down and go to the vet IMMEDIATELY, even if it seems to recover: organ failure can show up hours later.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Intense, uncontrolled panting
  • • Thick drooling
  • • Bright red gums or, in severe stages, pale gums
  • • Weakness, staggering, disorientation
  • • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • • Seizures and loss of consciousness in severe cases

Causes

Ambient heat, exercise during hot hours, leaving the animal in a car (FATAL within minutes), lack of shade and water. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug), seniors, overweight animals and rabbits are the most vulnerable.

Diagnosis

Immediate diagnosis based on the situation and clinical signs. The vet measures the temperature and assesses organ damage.

Treatment

FIRST AID while you head to the vet: move the animal to a cool area, wet it with lukewarm water (NEVER ice-cold, as it causes vasoconstriction), provide ventilation, offer water if conscious. Afterwards, ALWAYS seek veterinary care — internal damage can appear hours later.

Prevention

NEVER leave the animal in the car. Walk during cooler hours in summer. Shade and water always available. Take special care with brachycephalic breeds, seniors and rabbits.

When should you see the vet?

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY. Start cooling it down and go to the vet IMMEDIATELY, even if it seems to recover: organ failure can show up hours later.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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