Extreme heat in Europe will continue for several days 4:54
(CNN Spanish) --
High temperatures not only threaten the lives of humans: our pets can also suffer from heat stroke.
Even a short walk in the middle of the day or being cooped up in the car for a few minutes can be deadly.
Here's a guide to the signs to recognize and respond to immediately if your dog or cat is facing heat stroke.
There are some pets that are more prone to heat stroke, reports the University of London Veterinary School, including those that are overweight and those with thick fur.
Those who are very young or old and those with pre-existing health problems, especially difficulties with the heart, lungs and airways, may also be more affected.
The institution also mentions some especially susceptible breeds, such as pugs, French bulldogs and Persian cats.
So you can protect your dog and other pets from extreme heat
Animals can quickly overheat when temperatures are high but also if they exercise excessively in hot weather or if they stay longer than is recommended in hot or humid places without proper ventilation.
The biggest alert of professional institutions: cases of confinement in cars.
Bulldogs are one of the breeds that are especially sensitive to heat stroke.
(Credit: Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)
Few mechanisms to cool down
One of the downsides dogs run with is that they have only two mechanisms to cool down, according to the American Kennel Club, vasodilation and panting.
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"When dogs pant, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nostrils and the lining of their lungs, cooling them as air passes over the moist tissue. They also cool through vasodilation. Blood vessels, especially in the ears and face, expand, bringing superheated blood closer to the surface for cooling," the organization explains.
What about the sweat?
The inner surfaces of the paws can sweat, yes, "but not enough to make a difference."
(Not only cats and cats have trouble getting cold. Rabbits and guinea pigs, other relatively common pets, also can't sweat to control their temperature, the UK Veterinary Association reminds.)
How to recognize if your dog or cat is suffering from heat stroke
When a dog's body temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, they have a fever, says the American Kennel Club.
If it continues to rise and exceeds the threshold of 40.6 degrees, you may be suffering from heat stroke.
The University of London Veterinary School lists eight symptoms that may indicate that your pet is suffering from heat stroke:
Redness of the tongue and/or gums
increased heart rate
Gasping that can become rapid or noisy breathing
Restlessness or agitation
drooling
vomiting or diarrhea
In the advanced stages of heat stroke, animals may experience confusion, lethargy, weakness or collapse, and even convulsions.
Dilated pupils, an irregular pulse, and muscle tremors can be other signs that the condition is getting worse.
act immediately
If you notice signs of heat stroke in your pet, act immediately, the school says.
The first thing you should do is take it to a cool place.
Give him small sips of water to drink, but don't force him to drink.
Refresh with cold water, but not ice cold as this can have the opposite effect by reducing blood flow to the skin and its ability to cool down or causing shivering that increases heat.
If you put a damp towel on it, which is another way to cool it down, remember to change it every few minutes when you feel it getting hot.
Once these emergency measures are in place, call your vet to have him checked out.
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