Tag Archives: heatstroke

Murphy’s May Day Morning Walk

We’re having well above average temps here in Nashville again lately. It feels more like the middle of summer than early spring. Today is supposed to reach 88 degrees. (If not 90.) On Tuesday nights I play volleyball at Centennial Park, which means Murph’s regular afternoon walks are both earlier and shorter than normal. Since it’s going to be so hot when I have to take him, and because we had company in town the last week and some of his walks were abbreviated then, and because today is May Day, I decided to spoil Murph and celebrate the day … Continue reading →

Are You Prone to Heat-Related Illnesses?

During a summer heat wave, you have to be extra careful. Both environmental conditions (the weather) and physical conditions (your health) have an impact on your body’s ability to stay cool. Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses. Drinking caffeine and alcohol can actually increase your risk of dehydration, so make sure that for every cup of coffee you drink, you have two glasses of water. Are you exercising at the right times? Don’t work out during the hottest part of the day! Schedule your exercise for early morning, before it gets too hot, or late … Continue reading →

Heat-Related Conditions

Man oh man was it a hot one today! Across the country — on the east coast, throughout the Midwest, and over on the west coast — temperatures soared. On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for Las Vegas, Chicago, Saint Louis, Philly, Tulsa, and parts of New York and New Jersey, expecting today’s temperatures to reach a hundred degrees or more. With temperatures like these, you need to be watchful for heat-related illnesses. Under normal conditions, your nervous system maintains a healthy body temperature through sweating and thermoregulation — the blood flow to your skin. If … Continue reading →

First Aid: Heatstroke

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As we head into hotter weather, please remember that your pets are susceptible to heat related health problems! Any dog or cat left outside during the summer for any length of time needs access to shade and fresh water. Dogs and cats don’t sweat. Instead, they fluff their fur to increase air circulation. Cats will lick themselves to feel the coolness of evaporating saliva. Dogs will pant. Heatstroke can occur if your pet’s body temperature goes above 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that go above 106 degrees can be deadly. Signs of mild to moderate heatstroke Bright red tongue and gums … Continue reading →

Keep Your Pets Cool In Warm Weather

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As the days grow warmer, we all want to spend more time outside! But remember that your pets may be at risk for heat-related health problems. Think your pets can’t get sunburn? You’re wrong! Lightly colored pets (especially those with white fur) are at more risk of sunburn than dark colored dogs. And just like in humans, long-term sun damage can lead to skin cancer. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun — even basking in a sunny window can lead to a burn! Keep an eye on your pet’s delicate ears, nose, and … Continue reading →

Reading Your Pet’s Gums

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell when something is wrong with your pet. They may seem perfectly normal, then suddenly collapse. A delayed reaction to an electrical shock, ingested poison, an allergic reaction, even heart disease may not be immediately evident to owners. Your pet’s gums may be a clue to the problem. Normally, the gums should be a healthy pink. Any other color should be a warning sign — and you should call your vet immediately. White (extremely pale) gums are signs of shock. Just like in humans, shock is a condition that occurs when the body isn’t … Continue reading →