As the temperatures have gained strength over the last few weeks, it isn't just people feeling the effects.

Pets have to face the possibility of burnt paws on road surfaces as well as the possibility of heat stroke. Most residents have dealt with the summer sun and their pets needs before, but some visitors may not be as well prepared.

The signs of heat strokes in animals include:-

Heatstroke can happen very quickly, starting with rapid breathing,

lack of energy and decreased urine production.

This can very quickly escalate to heavy panting, bulging eyes, and the tongue appearing excessively long and dark red.

Collapse (leading to seizures or coma) and vomiting and/or diarrhea can follow.

Both cooling your dog, and getting to the vet as quickly as possible are the two key ways to increase the chance of survival in heatstroke cases.

Avoid using ice or very cold water as this can cause blood vessels on the skin surface to constrict and reduce effective cooling.

It can also cause shivering which can create more heat from the muscles.

Key areas to cool are the neck, abdomen and inner thighs with lukewarm water or water-soaked towels.

It is important that you do not over cool your dog, as this can lead to shock – a lack of blood supply to vital organs – so using lukewarm water is important.

Out and about, cool surfaces, shade, air conditioning in cars and fans can also aid cooling.

Even if the dog is cooled, veterinary treatment is still key to allow more targeted treatment and monitoring to occur.

Heatstroke has been reported as fatal in 39-50 per cent of dogs but those surviving more than 24 hours have a good chance of making a full recovery.

Be prepared - James R Howard Animal Hospital is just one of the local vets in the area.

Address: 4275 CA-86, Brawley, CA 92227, USA

Hours: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5:30pm

Phone: +1 760-344-5738