Pet Dehydration and Heatstroke

Protect Your Pet from Pet Heatstroke and Pet Dehydration with Helpful Pointers from Our El Paso Veterinary Staff

Texas is known for its great outdoors, but there are certain health risks associated with the Texan heat that can affect humans and animals. At TLC Animal Hospital, our staff encourages all local pet parents to understand the signs and risks associated with pet heatstroke and pet dehydration. 

Pet Dehydration

What Is Pet Dehydration and Pet Heatstroke?

Pet dehydration happens when a pet's body doesn't have enough water. This is common in the summer when dogs pant and cats sweat through their paws and then fail to drink enough water to replace the lost fluids.

Exposure to extreme temperatures can make it difficult for an animal to regulate its body temperature. This is especially true if the exposure is prolonged or excessive, if an animal is exercising in the heat, or if an animal is very young, very old, and/or ill. Pet heatstroke happens when an animal's body temperature raises too high, known clinically as hyperthermia. 

Signs of Pet Heatstroke and Pet Dehydration

Pet dehydration and heatstroke often go hand in hand. If they are left untreated, serious health problems can occur including electrolyte imbalance, organ damage, shock, or even death. 

How do you tell if your pet is dehydrated? Look for signs like sluggishness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Signs of pet heatstroke include excessive panting, small amounts of dark urine or no urine, bright red gums, lethargy, and collapse.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Pet Dehydration and Pet Heatstroke 

Pet heatstroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Call a vet immediately if you suspect your animal is affected. Our El Paso veterinarian staff can tell you the steps you need to take to protect your animal and when to bring her in to see us.

As for avoiding pet heatstroke and pet dehydration, there are plenty of things you can do: 

  • NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked car. The temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees or more on mild sunny days!
  • Always give your pet access to fresh clean water.
  • Give your pets cool places to rest. 
  • Don't exercise your animal during the hottest parts of the day. 
  • Bring your pet in regularly for routine check-ups, especially if they are at risk for pet dehydration or heatstroke.

Concerned about the Heat? 

It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to pet dehydration and pet heatstroke. Call us with any concerns and be sure to schedule your pet's routine wellness exam by calling TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso, TX, at (915) 592-6200.

El Paso

Address

1851 Lee Trevino Dr,
El Paso, TX 79936

Office Hours

Monday  

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Tuesday  

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Wednesday  

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Thursday  

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Friday  

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Saturday  

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sunday  

Closed

Walk In Hours

in case of emergency or an urgent health need after posted walk in times, please call or consult with the front desk to check doctor availability

Monday  

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tuesday  

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday  

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thursday  

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Friday  

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday  

8:00 am - 10:00 am

Sunday  

Closed