In summer in Benidorm, heat stroke is the emergency we see most. The Mediterranean climate, the hot tarmac and cars left in the sun turn an ordinary day into a real risk. The good news is that it can almost always be prevented. The bad news is that, when it does happen, you have to act within minutes.
What it is and why it is so serious
Dogs and cats do not sweat the way we do: they cool themselves mainly by panting. When the heat gets the better of them, their body temperature shoots up. Above 41 ºC the organs start to fail: kidneys, liver, clotting and brain. That is why heat stroke can turn fatal in a short time, and why you should never wait to “see if it passes”.
Warning signs
Watch for these signs, especially between June and September:
- Heavy, constant panting that does not stop even at rest.
- Thick drooling and very red gums, or pale gums at a later stage.
- Staggering, disorientation or marked weakness.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, sometimes with blood.
- Extreme listlessness or loss of consciousness.
In cats it is rarer, but it does happen: open-mouthed panting in a cat is always a warning sign.
- Move them into the shade or somewhere cool straight away.
- Cool them with room-temperature water (not ice-cold), wetting the belly, armpits and groin.
- Offer fresh water to drink, without forcing it.
- Do not use very cold water or wrap them in wet towels: they trap the heat and make things worse.
- Get to the vet now, even if they seem to be improving: there may be internal damage.
How to prevent it in Benidorm
Most cases of heat stroke can be avoided with common sense:
- Never leave them in the car, not for a minute and not with a window cracked open. The inside turns into an oven within minutes.
- Walk at dawn or dusk, when the heat drops. Avoid the middle of the day.
- Check the tarmac with your hand: if you cannot hold it there for 5 seconds, it will burn their pads.
- Water and shade always on hand, at home and out on the street.
- Take care on balconies and terraces with no shade, where a cat or dog can get trapped in the sun.
- Extra watchfulness for flat-faced breeds, older dogs, and those overweight or with heart problems.
In a city like Benidorm, with so many months of heat, these habits make the difference between a quiet summer and an emergency that could have been avoided.
Frequently asked questions.
At what temperature does a dog get heat stroke?
A dog's normal temperature is around 38-39 ºC. We talk about heat stroke once it goes above 41 ºC. Beyond that the organs start to fail very fast, so it is not something that can wait: it is an emergency that needs action within minutes.
What do I do if my dog has heat stroke?
Move them into the shade, offer fresh (not ice-cold) water and cool them by wetting them with room-temperature water, especially the belly, armpits and groin. Do not cover them with wet towels or use very cold water, as that makes things worse. And get to the vet straight away: even if they seem to recover, there may be internal damage.
Why are flat-faced dogs more at risk?
Brachycephalic breeds (bulldog, pug, boxer) have narrower airways, so panting, which is how dogs cool themselves, works far less well for them. In the heat they overheat very quickly. In summer they need extra watchfulness and should avoid exercise in the sun altogether.
Sources.
- AVMA — Heatstroke in pets. Prevention and first aid.
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Heat Stroke in Animals.
- ESCCAP España — Animal health in a Mediterranean climate.
Is your pet having a heat stroke?
It is an emergency. Cool them with room-temperature water and come in at once. Call ahead so we can be ready for you.