Pet Owner Resources

With the arrival of hot weather, Osceola County Animal Control wants to remind all citizens and visitors not to leave pets, especially dogs, inside closed vehicles when shopping. When outside temperatures reach the 90s, the temperature inside a car can easily reach in excess of 100 degrees. It only takes six minutes for a pet to die in a hot vehicle.

Prevention is the best medicine, but if you suspect your pet may be suffering from heat stress, danger signals include heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, barking or whining, agitation, staggering or weakness. Advanced symptoms may include struggling for breath, glassy eyes and dark red gums. When breathing suddenly becomes quiet with any of these symptoms, the animal will collapse. If the animal is not treated immediately, their body temperature will have reached the point which results in seizures, coma and death.

To treat an animal suffering from heat stress, immediately bring the animal to a shady spot. Slowly cool the animal by placing it in cool, not cold, water to reduce body heat gradually. Apply ice packs to the head and neck. Take the distressed pet to the nearest veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment for dehydration and other serious problems will be necessary.