Heatstroke

Signs/symptoms

1. The animal will usually be lying down, panting excessively and drooling. Cats will have open-mouth breathing.
2. Gums are bright red in color.
3. The animal may very well be suffering from heatstroke if their temperature is anything greater than 105 degrees F. (Using the a rectal thermometer, take the animal's temperature. Apply a small amount of the petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer before inserting into the animal's rectum. Leave it in for two minutes before checking.)

Treatment

1. Move to a cool, shady, well-ventilated area. (Never heave your dog or cat in a parked car on a very warm day even when the windows are cracked. A hot car can be a deathtrap for your pet.)
2. Cool the animal be immersing it in a tepid water bath (do not use ice-cold water), or wrap it in towels soaked in cool water. Change the towels as they warm up.
3. Monitor the animal's rectal temperature periodically using the rectal thermometer. Stop cooling when the animal's temperature reaches 103 degrees F.
4. Allow the animal to drink if it wishes.
5. Perform CPR if the animal experiences cardiac and/or respiratory arrest (see Cardiac And/Or Respiratory Arrest).
6. Transport the animal to your Veterinarian as soon as possible (see Moving An Injured Cat, Moving an Injured Dog).