June-August climate outlook from NOAA highlights the need for precautions
May 23, 2023 (AUSTIN, Texas) – Today,
Thrive Pet Healthcare, a leading veterinary service network with 400 locations across the U.S., urged pet owners to safeguard their pets from the risks associated with heat-related emergencies following last week’s June-August
seasonal outlook announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a hot summer ahead for much of the country.
“Heat-related emergencies can sneak up on pet owners, even when it’s 70 degrees outside. By the time the signs become obvious, it becomes a life-threatening situation,” warns Dr. Kelly Cairns, Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “It’s important to recognize the signs and take immediate action to prevent organ shutdown and other severe complications.”
Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in pets is paramount. Warning indicators include excessive panting, collapsing, vomiting after drinking, dark red gums, sudden lethargy, and an inability to get up. In severe cases, seizures, death, bloody diarrhea, frequent vomiting, and unresponsiveness may occur.
To prevent heat-related emergencies, Thrive Pet Healthcare recommends the following:
Always bring water for your dog when on hikes or walks.
Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day.
Steer clear of new or longer routes that may overexert your pet.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your pet is at an increased risk for heat-related emergencies.
In addition to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, pet owners should also be aware of the dangers of burned paw pads from walking on hot surfaces like pavement or venturing onto rough trails without prior conditioning. These injuries may result in weeks of bandaging, pain management, and potential permanent scars.
“If your pet has burned paw pads or is showing any warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, urgent care may be the appropriate option,” advises Cairns.
Thrive Pet Healthcare is dedicated to providing support and expertise to pet owners. Their urgent care clinics, available nationwide, offer timely veterinary care for injuries or illnesses that require immediate attention but do not require hospitalization. These clinics serve as a convenient and more affordable option to an emergency hospital visit.
Thrive Pet Healthcare has opened 20 urgent care facilities across the country in the last two years. Urgent care is now available in standalone locations, as an expanded service offering in existing primary care hospitals, and as an add-on facility.
“Summer is a wonderful time to create lasting memories with all members of the family, including our furry companions,” says Dr. Cairns. “By prioritizing heat safety and taking precautions, you can ensure the well-being of your pets while enjoying outdoor activities.”
To search for Thrive Pet Healthcare locations offering primary, specialty, urgent, and emergency veterinary care, visit
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service network that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and 400 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
