Emergency · 24h veterinarian
Heatstroke
Panting hard, red gums, thick drool, staggering: it is an emergency. Cool down gradually and go to the vet.
Life at risk? Call an emergency vet or 112 right now. 112
What to do, step by step
- 1Take the animal to the shade or a cool, ventilated place; stop any exercise.
- 2Wet it with lukewarm water (never ice-cold) on the neck, armpits, groin and paws, and fan it or place it by a fan.
- 3Offer fresh water in small amounts; do not force it.
- 4Do not cover with wet towels: they trap the heat. Do not use ice: it constricts the vessels and slows the cooling.
- 5See the vet even if it improves: heatstroke can damage kidneys, liver and clotting without immediate signs.
Most at risk: flat-faced dogs (bulldog, pug, boxer), elderly, overweight or dark-coated animals, and any animal left in a car — even with the window open and only for a few minutes.
Useful contacts
-
Veterinário de urgência da sua zonaCall before leaving home so the clinic can get ready. On patuco: Emergency › 24h veterinarian.
-
IPMA — Avisos meteorológicosExtreme heat, thunderstorm and storm warnings.
More guides
- My pet was hit by a carEven without visible injuries there may be internal bleeding. How to move the animal safel...
- My pet swallowed something toxicChocolate, grapes, xylitol, rat poison, antifreeze, lilies (cats): what to do in the first...
- My pet is chokingHard coughing, pawing at the mouth, trouble breathing: what to try at home and when to sto...
- Sting or biteBees, wasps, processionary caterpillars, snakes and other animals: what to do in each case...
General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.
