With the high temperatures and high humidity forecast for much of this week, News4 wants to remind you to look out for signs of distress in your pet.

Heat stroke occurs when a pet’s internal body temperature rises to levels high enough to lead to death. In dogs, heat is also released through panting.  Heat lost in this way can contribute to an increase in the ambient temperature in an enclosed space. Lack of ventilation and direct sun increases the temperature without allowing the body to effectively remove the excess heat.

Heat stroke has been known to occur in dogs that were in a confined space even though the room temperature was almost ten degrees centigrade below the dog’s normal body temperature. Cats are better able to cope with high temperatures but only within reason.

Signs of heat stroke include:

•  Heavy panting
• Excessive salivating
• Rapid heart/ pulse rate
• Very red gums and/ or tongue
• Lack of coordination
• Lethargy
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Reluctance or inability to stand
• In extreme cases there may be a loss of consciousness.

Heat stroke can occur surprisingly fast, even when animals are left for only short periods of time in cars with the windows partially rolled down. Since prevention still remains the best alternative, animals are best not left alone in unattended cars or in a yard without shade and water in warm weather.

If your pet is showing signs of distress or heat stroke cool them down as quickly as possible and call your vet.

Here are a few things you can do to protect your pet

Keep them hydrated – Like humans, pets need fresh water to survive and hot humid temperatures can quickly dehydrate them. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh clean water

Keep them cool – Just like you feel the heat so does your pet, in fact, pets tend to feel the heat more than we do. Avoid walking your dog during the heat of the day but rather take your pet out in the cooler mornings and evenings. Dogs cannot sweat! They regulate their body temperature by panting but when humidity levels are high they have difficulty doing that.

Sunburn -Animals can get sunburn too, so please apply sunscreen to the nose and ears of pale coloured dogs – if in doubt please talk to your vet.

Indoors – Remember for any pet that is kept inside; please ensure that the room is cool and well ventilated. It may be necessary to close the curtains and open a window if there is a breeze.

If you do put your pet outside make sure they have access to ample shade and if you are going to be away for an extended period of time (more than an hour) put your pet indoors before you go.

It is common knowledge to never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle ever! Temperatures in parked vehicles can rise to dangerous levels in under five minutes and can be fatal to your pet. If you have to go out leave your pet at home

When it is hot let your pet cool off with a nice swim or in a kiddie pool filled with water. Not only will your friend cool down their core temperature they will most likely have a pile of fun doing it.

Updated – from a previously published story