Heatstroke in dogs and cats during Egypt's summer: signs, first aid and prevention

Dogs and cats don't sweat like people do. A dog cools down mainly by panting, and loses a little heat through its paw pads. When heat or humidity is high — as it often is in an Egyptian summer — this may not be enough, and body temperature rises quickly. Heatstroke is an emergency that can damage the brain, kidneys, gut and blood clotting, and can kill within a short time.

Who is most at risk?

• Flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus, and Persian cats, because their airways are narrow.
• Overweight and older pets, and very young puppies.
• Thick-coated pets and breeds from cold climates.
• Pets with heart or breathing problems.
• Active dogs after running or rough play in the heat.

Common summer mistakes

• Leaving a pet in the car, even for minutes with the windows slightly open. The temperature in a closed car rises very fast, even in the shade.
• Leaving a dog on the roof or balcony in the sun all day without shade and water.
• Tying a dog up in the open where it can't move into shade.
• Walking at midday on hot asphalt, exposing the dog to heat and burnt paw pads.

Signs of heatstroke

• heavy, constant panting that doesn't settle with rest;
• thick, sticky drool;
• dark red gums and tongue — or pale or bluish ones in later stages;
• a fast heartbeat;
• vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood;
• staggering, confusion, weakness and not responding when called;
• collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness.

In cats, open-mouth panting is abnormal in itself and needs immediate action in hot weather.

First aid on the way to the vet

1. Move your pet straight away to a shaded or air-conditioned place.
2. Pour cool — not ice-cold — water over its body, especially the neck, belly, armpits, groin and paws.
3. Use a fan or the air conditioning along with the water; evaporation helps cooling.
4. Don't leave a wet towel lying on your pet, as it can trap heat. You can wipe a wet towel over the body and keep re-wetting it.
5. Offer small sips of water if your pet is alert and able to swallow; don't force it.
6. Don't use ice or iced water: it can make blood vessels in the skin narrow and slow down cooling.
7. Go to the vet straight away, continuing to cool your pet in the air-conditioned car on the way.

Even if your pet seems better after cooling, a vet check is essential, because organ damage and clotting problems can appear hours later.

Prevention in summer

• Walk early in the morning or after sunset.
• Provide cool, clean water, shade and ventilation at all times, with more than one bowl.
• Cut down rough play on hot days.
• A cooling mat or cool tiled floor gives your pet somewhere to lie.
• Keep your pet at a healthy weight; obesity raises the risk of heatstroke.
• Brush regularly to remove dead hair. Shaving double-coated breeds down to the skin is usually not recommended.
• Take extra care in humid coastal cities, where high humidity makes panting less effective.

See also grooming and emergency signs.

Frequently asked questions