5/24/2014
Summer Danger:
Heat Stroke in Cats
By Jill Anne Sparapany
Recently, there have
been many stories of dogs or cats left in the car while the owner went
shopping. The windows were closed or just cracked open – but that is still not
enough to prevent hot temperature build-up inside the car! The temperature
inside a car can reach 110˚F in less than 10 minutes on a sunny
80˚F
day!
But heat stroke can
happen anytime outside an enclosed car, in the right conditions. Dogs are more
likely to suffer heat stroke, but cats can be affected and for both dogs and
cats, immediate veterinary intervention is imperative to save the pet!
Signs
of Heat Stroke:
Restlessness, excessive grooming
Sweaty paws
Bright red gums and tongue
Drooling
Vomiting
Panting or rapid breathing
Stumbling, collapse
High fever
Extreme lethargy
Unresponsiveness
What to
Do if your Cat has Heat Stroke:
Get your cat (or dog) to the vet immediately!!
Do not delay getting emergency vet care!
While transporting your
pet to the emergency vet, you can do some things to help reduce their
temperature from the heat stroke –
Cover your pet with towels soaked in cold water!
·
Use
only cold water soaked towels!
·
Do
NOT use ice cold water or ice packs – this could cause shock!
·
Do
NOT immerse your cat in ice water – this could cause shock!
Prevent
Heat Stroke:
Best way to prevent heat stroke is to
keep your cat inside.
If your cat does go outside, ensure
your cat has free access to fresh, cold water at all times and access to shady
areas.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in
indoor pets on very hot days in homes without air conditioning.
If you have a programmable thermostat
that you adjust to higher temps while you are at work all day, remember your
cat may be uncomfortable if the temp is too high.
If you don’t have air conditioning,
you can use fans to cool the air. Keep ceiling fans running.
Free standing fans can keep air at
your living level space cooler. Make sure the fans can’t tip over! Do not leave
fans running when you are not at home.
Access to cooler spots at home.
Basements are cooler so allow your pet to access them, if they are safe (no
sharp tools,etc.) Hardwood and tile floors are cooler than carpets. Some cats
may like to lay in the bathtub or sink in hot weather.
Be sure window screens are secure if
you leave windows open for breezes.
Fresh cold water should be available at
all times. Fountains are excellent. You can add ice cubes to the water bowl.
Grooming your cat will help keep them
cooler – long hair cats that are especially prone to tangles and mats in their
coats will not be able to stay cooler. Removing excess fur will keep your pet
cooler.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion or
heat stroke! If your pet exhibits any signs of heat stroke, get your cat to the
vet NOW! Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency and your pet could die.
Never, repeat Never, leave your pet is
a parked car – not even for a minute!
If you travel with your pet by air –
there have been numerous pet deaths related to air travel, even when the pet
parent has been assured their pet will be observed at all times and kept in
temperature controlled conditions. When cargo – where your pet will travel with
the rest of the baggage – is unloaded, they will sit on the hot tarmac in their
pet carriers until all baggage is unloaded. Open baggage transfer buildings are
not air conditioned and this is where your pet will wait to be transferred to
another plane or delivered to you. Food, water and bathroom breaks are not
always provided.
Some pets have been lost when their
stacked pet carriers have fallen and broken open.
Some airlines state they are
“pet-friendly” and have also experienced pet deaths related to heat stroke.
If you must travel by air with your
pet, many airlines will allow you to take your cat (or small dog) in a secure
carrier with you in the passenger area. You may have to pay a fee for this, but
you will be assured your pet is safe because it will be in your constant care.
WHERE IS JACK?
One very tragic pet death resulted
when a stacked carrier was toppled and broke. The cat, named Jack, was
frightened and ran. He was nowhere to be found and due to air security rules,
his owner was not allowed in the baggage buildings to call for him or put out
cans of tuna, Jack’s favorite food.
Jack was finally found after being
missing for 61 days when he came crashing down through the ceiling tiles in the
same building where he escaped! He was extremely malnourished and very sick.
Jack spent 12 days in ICU care. He had several surgeries for skin grafts over
his skin that was falling off. He was on tube feedings and despite all ICU care
and medicines, Jack had to be euthanized. His owner started an organization to
promote safety in air travel for all pets – she vowed this should never happen
again! Unfortunately, pets have perished since Jack’s passing.
You can
learn about safety in air travel at the “Where Is Jack?” organization’s
website: http://whereisjack.org/
 |
| Jack |
Thank you for the gifts from our Amazon wish list!
Thank you unnamed for the paper towels and food!
Thank you Julie Blair for the paper towels!
Thank you Kristy Blackburn for the trashbags, freshstep, food & rainbow!
Thank you Sheryl Harrison for the food, gain and q-tips!
Thank you Beth Byrd for the toys, sponges, and litter!
Thank you Sheryl Harrison for the trashbags!
Thank you Julie Blair for the turbo scratcher!
Thank you Ann Davis for the big shoe and playhouse!
Thank you Eri Okada-Berkeley for the trashbags and playcube!
Thank you Kyla Town for the batteries and rainbow toy!
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