Creekside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center Treats
Dehydration and Heatstroke
Hot weather poses as danger for pets. They may be outside in yard areas where there is not enough shade or may run out of water for proper hydration. Even indoor areas can become warm enough to cause dehydration and heatstroke. Vets warn to never leave your pet in a hot car during warm weather. Dehydration can also occur as a result of frequent vomiting and diarrhea. At Creekside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center in Lafayette, IN, we can provide the emergency care needed when pets experience dehydration and heatstroke.
What Is Pet Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when an animal is not replacing the body fluids that are being lost. Symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, sticky gums, refusal to eat, sunken eyes and loss of skin elasticity. The animal may vomit or have diarrhea. Both dogs and cats can also become dehydrated
Heatstroke Is A Life Threatening Condition
Any animal can suffer from heatstroke in hot weather. Dogs with short snouts are particularly vulnerable because they have difficulty breathing and panting to cool themselves. Overweight and older animals are also more vulnerable to heatstroke. If your dog is panting excessively, seems uncomfortable, is drooling, has reddened gums and seems confused or disengaged, it is time to get veterinary help. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. In severe cases, the animal may become unconscious or collapse. It is critical that you get your pet into a cool environment and get veterinary attention immediately if you observe these symptoms.
Treatment for Heat Stroke & Dehydration
Animals that are dehydrated should be given as much cool water to drink as they want. Your veterinarian can provide IV hydration to replace the lost fluid to revive your pet. If the dehydration is a result of illness or some health problem, the vet may provide medications to treat the condition. Because heatstroke is an emergency veterinary problem, you should get to the vet as quickly as possible. Your vet can then provide cooling techniques, IV fluids, medications, oxygen, and other methods to help your pet over the crisis.
Make Creekside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center Your Choice in Lafayette, IN
The veterinarians and staff at Creekside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center have made healthcare for animals their life’s work and provide the highest quality services for their patients in Lafayette, IN and neighboring communities.
We are a full-service veterinary clinic, offering exams, vaccinations, preventative services, diagnostics, surgery, pharmacy, and senior pet care. If you are looking for a veterinarian, contact Creekside Animal Hospital & Wellness Center today at 765-742-0140 for an appointment to have your pet examined and to learn more about preventing dehydration and heatstroke.