Protecting Your Pet: Heat stroke

The heat is on, and it's rising, which is why heat stroke is common among animals.

"It only took 10 to 15 minutes for him to have a heat stroke," Dr. Cristina Comartin of Alton Road Animal Hospital, said. "And of course, I was very frightened."

Veterinarian Cristina Comartin thought Sugar was safe, because he was swimming in the pool.

"He was laterally recumbent foaming at the mouth with a temperature of 106," Dr. Comartin said.

As the mercury rises, keep pets indoors. If they're outside, make sure they have lots of shade and water.

"They should always have water available for the dogs, [and] they can try spritzing the dog down with water," Dr. John Barr, of the Alton Road Animal Hospital, said.

Playing fetch or going for a walk can be dangerous.

"I think what people need to know is basically not to walk their dogs in the middle of the day," Dr. Barr said. "If they have one of the flat-faced breeds, like an English bulldog, they need to be extra careful, especially the Boston terriers, those dogs are really susceptible to this."

Dark-haired, overweight and older pets are also at greater risk. Heat stroke warning signs include heavy panting, foaming at the mouth, moving slowly or stopping, bright red gums and collapsing and losing consciousness is also very serious."

If you see any of these things, get them out of the sun as soon as possible. Cool them down with cool water, not cold, because it can cause shock and then...

"You need to get that dog to the vet," Dr. Barr said. "Some of them will go into comas."

Don't drop the ball. The heat is nothing to play around with.

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