Everyone wants to enjoy the long summer days with their beloved pets, but an extended period in the hot weather can be dangerous for your furry friends. The animal lovers and experts at Animal Health Center are ready to help you make sure your pets stay safe in the warmer weather by offering some advice about heatstroke.

So, what is heatstroke? Heatstroke happens when normal body mechanisms such as panting cannot keep the body temperature in a safe range. Many animals are at higher risk than humans for heatstroke because they have less efficient methods of keeping their temperature down. While animals can recover from moderate heatstroke, severe heatstroke is often fatal.

Thus, it’s important to understand the warning signs for heatstroke. The top warning signs include:

• Rapid or excessive panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling or thick, sticky saliva
• Red or pale gums
• Dizziness
• Vomit
• Weakness or collapse
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

If you spot any of these signs, remove your animal from the hot area immediately. Wet them with lukewarm water to help reduce their body temperature and turn on a fan if you have one. Even if your pet seems to have recovered, take them to your vet as soon as possible. There could be additional complications like dehydration that you can’t see.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health, please contact Animal Health Center. They’ve been serving their neighbors in the Enterprise, AL area for over 50 years, making them one of the most trusted animal hospitals in the area. In addition to their 24/7 emergency care, the hospital specializes in animal dental care, pet boarding, and animal vaccines. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, please call (334) 347-0544 or visit them online.