Can my cat get sunburned?

Hairless cats and breeds with sparse hair are more prone to sunburn, but sun exposure can affect any kind of cat. If your feline loves to sunbathe, they could get sunburned or develop other skin conditions. Too much sun can result in solar dermatitis, which usually appears on the face and ears in the form of red or scaly skin. If it goes untreated, scabs and ulcers will begin to form. 

Solar dermatitis is a progressive skin disease that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that presents as malignant tumors. If you notice your cat constantly scratching at the affected areas or shaking their head, schedule a veterinary examination right away. 

Can my dog get sunburned?

Light colored and hairless dogs have the highest risk of sunburns. Protective clothing like hats, goggles, or shirts can help shield their skin from the sun. Besides a sunburn, dogs that get too much sun exposure can also get heatstroke or severe dehydration. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include panting, difficulty moving, drooling, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. 

Treatment for Sunburn in Pets

If your dog or cat is experiencing symptoms of sunburn like red, flaky skin, please keep them out of the sun. Ointments and coolants can help relieve irritation, but if their symptoms persist, you should consult a vet. Anasazi Animal Clinic can treat severe sunburn in pets with antibiotic treatments to prevent inflammation. If your pet is suffering from excess sun exposure, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash

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Summer is here and despite a cool breeze every now and then, the heat is unavoidable. Do you know how to tell if there are signs of overheating or heat stroke in your pet? You may have noticed a decrease in your own energy as the heat rises, or general exhaustion from being in the heat for too long. The same is true for your pets, although the effects of heat are harder to recognize in them. Even when preventative measures are taken, it is important to monitor our active puppy or daring cat, who insists on exploring the great outdoors.  Our team here at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert has put together this informative guide on signs of overheating and heat stroke in pets to keep your fur babies safe in the midst of the summer heat in Arizona. 

Overheating vs Heat Stroke in Pets

You may have noticed that overheating and heat stroke are often thought of as synonymous with each other. However, they are not the same. Overheating (or heat exhaustion) is the stage before heat stroke in which the body is showing signs that it is too hot and measures should be taken to prevent further harm. Heatstroke (or hyperthermia) results in heat injury to tissue. Both are serious and need your attention, but if your pet has a heat stroke it is important to get immediate medical attention. 

Signs of overheating

• Rapid panting
• Dehydration / excessive thirst
• Increased heartbeat
• Elevated body temperature
• Disorientation
• Changes in gum and/or tongue color

Signs of a heat stroke 

• Excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Collapse / Coma
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal behavior
• Stumbling
• Muscle twitching / Seizures 

Specific Signs in Cats

Cats will exhibit the same above signs, however, the signs may be more subtle. They may also exhibit behaviors not seen in dogs. These can include behaviors such as anxiety, pacing, and bleeding from the nose. 

What the Vet Can Do

If there is any concern that your pet is unable to cool themselves down even with your intervention, do not hesitate to take them to the vet. A trained veterinarian can check your pet’s temperature and vitals and assess if emergency treatment is needed. These can include intravenous fluids (drip), oxygen, blood tests, cooling treatments, and ongoing monitoring and treatment. 

Give us a Call 

Most importantly, if you are concerned your pet is showing signs of heat stroke or overheating, take action immediately. Please don’t hesitate to call us for any concerns regarding your pet. Contact our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert online or by email at info@anasazivet.com. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about staying safe in the summer heat.

Image by thomasrendleman from Pixabay (6/2020)

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How Can I Tell If My Is Dog Dehydrated?

Throughout the normal course of a day, your dog is taking in and losing fluids. When the fluid loss becomes disproportionate to the intake, water begins to leave your pup’s cells in order to quench its thirst. As this process occurs, its body loses vital electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, which are responsible for muscle function and other processes in the body. If your dog truly is dehydrated, then his body has reached a point where he can no longer replenish these essential electrolytes in his body through taking fluids orally.

Here are a few common symptoms to look for:

• Sunken Eyes
• Exhaustion or lethargy
• Panting
• Loss of Appetite
• Dry nose and gums
• Loss of skin elasticity

What Can I Do If My Pooch Is Dehydrated?

If you suspect your dog might be dehydrated, it’s important to take him to your local vet immediately. The symptoms listed above are not always that obvious, and if you wait too long to restore the balance in his body, there could be health consequences.

As always, and especially throughout the summer, be sure to supply your dog with constant fresh water. To avoid potential dehydration, check out one of our other recent blog posts on overheating in dogs.

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, our compassionate staff cares deeply about your four-legged family members. Conveniently located in Gilbert, we are your local pet clinic serving Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert. Whether your pet is suffering from the effects of dehydration or it simply needs a regular check-up, we will lovingly care for your pet and give it the experienced attention it needs. Contact us today!

Photo by Sarah Pflug from Burst (6/14/2018)

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