Associates Animal Hospital
Westborough's Family-Oriented Small Animal Hospital
21 Summer Street, Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 870-0600
Susan Board Gillham, DVM
Paul J. Rosiello, DVM
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Pet Questions and Answers
Question: What should I do if I think my dog has heat stroke?
Answer:   If your dog has been in the heat and is lethargic or stuporous, check the color of the gums.  If  your pet's gums are dark (brick) red he/she may have heat stroke.  You need to cool your pet by placing them in tepid (NOT COLD) water and place a fan near them. Take your pet's rectal temperature and call the hospital.  The normal temperature for a cat or dog should not be greater than 103 degrees F.  Pets with temperatures of greater than 109 may not recover.  Remember to start cooling your pet with tepid water and a fan before transporting to the closest veterinary hospital.