The sun has an enormous influence on our planet as it radiates light, which makes life possible to live on Earth. However, the sun comes with undeniable heat, especially in summer, since the sun’s rays can reach the Earth’s surface more efficiently; it increases the Earth’s temperature together with the long daytime, giving the Earth plenty of time to absorb solar heat which makes summer the sunniest and the hottest season of the year.
Summer is the season when plants, animals, and humans come back to live a life after hibernating throughout the cold winter. It is the time of year when trees’ leaves regrow and blooming flowers abound. At the same time, people who crave sunlight will go picnic and play sports in the field.
Nonetheless, it is not always a good thing when the temperature rises, as it is the source of sickness–heat sickness or heatstroke (also known as heat stress), the most common and severe heat illness during the hot season. Heatstroke is a symptom when the body’s temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, and it commonly happens in the summer months.
During this time, you may often see advertisements regarding heatstroke awareness, as high temperature is typical in this season. Please bear in mind that this symptom is closer to you than you think and can be dangerous for long-term health. Heatstroke can result in severe complications such as vital organ damage permanently or fatal if there is no immediate and appropriate treatment.
Apart from humans, animals can overheat and suffer from heatstroke as well. As temperatures rise, the number of cats and dogs visiting the vet due to this sickness also rises. Pets like cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way that we humans do. They do not have sweat glands as much as humans but only a few on their tiny paws and nose. So, they rely on panting to cool their body down. Therefore, all pet owners must take extra care of their pets during the hottest days, especially if they have long-haired pets, as their long thick hair can increase the risk of heatstroke.
What causes heatstroke in pet?
A hot and humid environment with inadequate ventilation, lack of drinking water, or excessive exercise during hot temperatures.
How to tell if your pet is suffering from heatstroke?
Panting, elevated breathing rate, seizures, or collapse. If your pet has this condition during the hot day, suspect it has heatstroke and rapidly take it to the nearest veterinarian.
How to take care of your pet during a hot day?
Pets are not able to cool themselves down easily, so you must ensure that your pets are kept in an appropriate environment and conditions with a cool, well-ventilated, shaded area, and don’t forget to provide them with more fresh drinking water bowl.
How to do emergency first aid at home if your pet gets heatstroke?
First, remove your pet to a cool and well-ventilated area. Second, offer your pets cool water. Third, spray cool water onto animal skin but do not put their whole body in cold water as it can cause dangerous blood pressure changes. Lastly, bring your pet to the nearest veterinarian immediately. Even if it seems to recover, you must take your pet to check with a vet.
Your pets cannot tell you if it is suffering from heat sickness; therefore, it is your job as their owner to take care of them. These little creatures rely on you for food, shelter, and good care, so please keep them safe during the summer heat. However, don’t forget about the stray animal which has to stay outside on a sunny day. Leave a bowl of water outside your house during the hot day to keep them hydrated, and don’t forget to change the water daily to avoid mosquitoes.
Heatstroke is relatively common in pets, and it can occur much faster than you think, so let’s prevent it before it is too late. Watch for early signs of heatstroke in your pet to avoid worse outcomes.
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