You may marvel at how happily your pet seems to adapt to the great outdoors, especially in the hot Arizona sun. But heat can prove just as dangerous for pets as it can for humans. Excessive heat exposure can lead to an internal temperature malfunction known as heatstroke.

Recognizing Heatstroke Symptoms

Heatstroke is a type of hyperthermia, a condition in which your pet's body temperature soars above the accepted norms. But unlike hypothermia caused by a fever, heatstroke occurs when exterior temperatures are too high for the body to control its internal temperature levels. Short-nosed dogs and cats (Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc.) are especially vulnerable since they lack the longer airway that helps the animal cool itself through panting. Any pet left in a hot, enclosed car for any length of time, or deprived of water and shelter on a hot day, may also fall prey to heatstroke. Watch out for symptoms such as:

• Intense panting or other obvious breathing problems

• Drooling

• Staggering, seizures, or collapse

• Blood diarrhea

• Elevated heart heart