Heat Stroke
(Hyperthermia)
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- Remove the pet from the environment where the heatstroke occurred.
- Move the pet to the shade and direct a fan onto him.
- If possible, take a rectal temperature and record the time and temperature.
- Begin to cool the body by wetting with cool (not cold) water on the trunk and legs. Wet towels can be used.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin of the stomach and allow the fan to help evaporate it.
- Transport to a veterinary facility.
- Do NOT use cold water or ice for cooling - it constricts the blood vessels of the skin and traps the warm blood in the core of the body.
- Do not over cool the pet. Stop cooling efforts when the body temperature drops down to 103 F.
- Do not attempt to get the pet to drink.
- Do not leave the pet unattended for any amount of time.
- Do not fail to seek veterinary attention because the pet is feeling better - there are catastrophic changes that are set in motion by high body temperatures (eg blood clotting disorders) that need to be addressed.