Summer heat is on its way in Australia, and this year promises to be an El Niño scorcher. But while most of us know to keep ourselves cool, keeping our pets cool too can sometimes slip our minds – and burn a serious hole in our wallet if the worst happens.

So before summer strikes, let’s get into the symptoms of heat stroke in your dog or cat and whether pet insurance can help cover the costs of treatment.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when our bodies can no longer regulate their temperature. The body temperature rises too high, too fast, and sweating is no longer enough to cool us down. 

The threshold for heat stroke is a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Dogs, cats, and humans can all get heat stroke. 

Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency, so receiving treatment as soon as possible is crucial. It’s also essential to pay attention to warning signs since heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

Veterinary treatment for heat stroke can cost thousands of dollars, whether it’s receiving intravenous fluids or treating more serious complications due to injuries like burns. 

Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs and cats

The signs of heat stroke are similar for dogs and cats, although cats may present more subtly. Some of the key warning signs of heat stroke in your pet to watch out for include:

• Panting.
• Head tilting. 
• Restlessness.
• Seeking shade and water.
• Drooling.
• Weakness.
• Increased heart rate. 
• Vomiting and diarrhoea. 
• Red gums or tongue.
• Drooling.
• Collapse or fainting. 
• Seizures.

If you think your pet is experiencing heat stroke, apply cool-down first aid and call your veterinarian immediately. Remember: cool first, transport second. 

Some things you can do to cool down your pet include:

• Moving them to a cool and shady area. 
• Offering them small sips of water.
• Gently hosing them down with water and fanning them.
• If your dog is young and healthy, immerse them in cool water like a bath or pool.

Don’t use ice-cold water, as this can slow blood flow to the skin, causing them to shiver and produce more heat. Your vet will tell you what to do next, including whether to bring them in for a check-up or emergency medical attention. 

Does pet insurance cover heat stroke?

Luckily, most accident & illness pet insurance policies cover heat stroke. You will need to check the terms and conditions of your coverage in the policy product disclosure statement (PDS) so you’re aware of any sub-limits or exclusions that apply. 

To make a claim on your pet insurance, go to your provider’s website and follow the claims portal for the next steps. You may need to provide receipts, medical reports, or veterinarian assessments to substantiate your claim. Some pet insurance providers let the vet lodge the claim for you.

How to prevent heat stroke for your pet

As warmer weather lies ahead, it’s important to have a play to keep your pet cool this summer. This can include doing things like having plenty of cool water available, keeping them in the shade, and avoiding walking them during the hottest parts of the day.

It’s also essential to pay attention to other dangers in the summer heat, too, such as hot footpaths. Use yourself as a good measure: if it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. 

Animals can get sunburnt, too, so consider buying pet sunscreen for their sensitive areas like noses.