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Dangerous Temperatures

Does your pet have a dangerous temperature?

hypothermia

hyperthermia

heatstroke

preventing heatstroke

LOW TEMPERATURES (HYPOTHERMIA) TEMPERATURES BELOW 37.2°C (99°F)

  • When your pet's temperature falls below 37.2°C (99°F)
  • Note:
    • Temperatures below 36°C (114.8°F) are more serious and immediate veterinary advice must be sought.
    • If your pet's temperature is low but they seem completely normal check you have taken their temperature correctly; the reading maybe low if the thermometer was embedded in faeces in the rectum or not inserted far enough.
COMMON CAUSES
  • Prolonged exposure to the cold (including cold water), dehydration, shock and heart failure (amongst others)
SYMPTOMS
  • Shivering or trembling
  • Feeling cold to touch
  • Slow heart rate and breathing
  • Lethargic/weak/trouble walking/collapse
WHAT TO DO
Call Your Vet Wrapping a cat with the foil blanket when they are hypothermic
  • Call your vet.
  • Remove your pet from the cold (carefully if there are wounds/other injuries).
  • Dry them if wet, wrap them in the foil blanket in your kit, add additional layers of blankets if needed.
  • You can also place hot water bottles on them (these must first be wrapped in towels to prevent burns) and cover their feet with socks or bubble wrap to help keep the warmth in.
  • Temperatures below 35°C are a true emergency.

HIGH TEMPERATURES (HYPERTHERMIA) TEMPERATURES ABOVE 39.2°C (102.56°F)

  • When your pet's temperatures rises above 39.2°C (102.56°F)
  • Readings above 39.5°C (103.1°F) are more likely to represent a true problem rather than stress/excitement. If the reading is high but you think your pet was very scared/excited then let them calm down for 10 mins and re-check if it is safe to do so. But, if in doubt seek veterinary advice.
CAUSES OF HIGH TEMPERATURES
  • Illness because of infection, cancer or inflammation (amongst other things) inside the body
  • Stress/excitement/exercise
  • Heat stroke
Call Your Vet

IDENTIFYING HEATSTROKE

  • Is it a warm day? Has your pet been exercising outside or left in a car or poorly ventilated area with little access to water? Is it displaying any of these symptoms?
symptoms
Dog with heatstroke
  • Panting and fast heart rate
  • Dry mouth and nose (may start drooling later)
  • Lethargic and off food
  • Dark red gums
  • Sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea
  • High temperature (usually over 41°C (105.8°F))
This is a true emergency, these signs can quickly progress to collapse, seizures and death.

WHAT TO DO

  • Cool your pet first THEN transport them to your vets - this can significantly increase your pet's chances at survival.
  • Move them somewhere cool.
  • If your pet is young and healthy fully immerse them in cold water.
  • For older or ill animals use evaporative cooling by dripping water on their body and ensuring air movement from a fan, breeze, or air conditioning.
  • Any water cooler than your pet's body temperature can be used for cooling. Cold water is safe!
  • Applying a water-soaked towel is better than nothing, but ensure constant wetting of the towel to maintain effectiveness.
  • Continue cooling them until their body temperature returns to normal.
  • Maintain cooling as you travel to your vets.
  • You can also offer them water - ice water and ice cubes are safe!
Call Your Vet

HOW TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE

  • Never leave your pet in a car on a warm day - parked cars can reach high temperatures even on what seems like a 'cool day'.
  • Don't walk dogs when the temperature is over 19°C (66.2°F) (lower in some dogs - see below). Either go very early in the morning or later at night or avoid a walk at all that day if extremely hot and your pet has a higher risk of heat stroke.
  • Don't leave your pet outside on warm day without shade or water.
  • Cats are better able to tolerate high temperatures than dogs but can still develop heat stroke if they are unable to find shade or water or become trapped in sheds or garages.
  • Your pet is more at risk of heat stroke if they are overweight, have a heavy coat, or have a flat face (brachycephalic animals) - e.g. Pugs, French Bull Dogs and Persian cats.
Cat