Even though many folks jokingly say that summer ends after the 4th of July in New England, we know that we are still in the dog days of summer! The heat will stick around well into September and for our pets that means a lingering risk of heat stroke.
Late summer and early fall days can still bring high temperatures, and some can forget that our pets deal with the heat differently than we do.
It’s important to notice the early warning signs of heat stroke in pets and to seek out veterinary care immediately at one of our 8 urgent care hospitals in Massachusetts and Rhode Island or your closest 24/7 emergency medical center.
If you notice your pet experiencing any of these signs, please get them out of the heat and to a veterinary urgent care facility immediately:
- Excessive Panting – Heavy, rapid breathing that doesn’t ease after rest or water.
- Bright Red or Pale Gums – Color changes in the mouth are often a warning sign of overheating.
- Lethargy or Weakness – If your pet suddenly seems tired, wobbly, or uninterested in normal activities.
- Drooling or Thick Saliva – An unusual increase in drool can signal heat stress.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea – Especially if it happens suddenly during warm weather.
- Collapse or Seizures – These are signs of severe heat stroke and require immediate veterinary attention.
Move your pet to a cool, shaded area immediately. Offer fresh, cool (not ice-cold) water, and use cool, damp towels on their body—especially the belly, paws, and armpits. Then, get to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital without delay. Heat stroke can become a life-threatening emergency in a matter of minutes.
Veterinary Urgent Care Center has 8 locations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island and we are available 7 days a week. Book online or view our hours before you walk-in, for Braintree, Dedham, East Providence, Easton, Narragansett, Plymouth, Saugus, and Worcester, at veturgentcare.com.
