At City Pets in Manhattan, we provide veterinary house call care so your pets can get the treatment they need while at home. With more traffic than ever in NYC and the stress that pets suffer going into a carrier, we know how useful and convenient a house call can be to provide in-home care for your Manhattan pet.
There’s nothing more worrying than noticing that something is wrong, or just “off,” with your pet. The very best thing you can do is not panic and immediately reach out to your trusted veterinarian. City Pets, Manhattan’s House Call Vets, not only provides extraordinary home pet care, but our trained vets, techs and administrators are able to inform you when a house call is or may not be the answer. In cases such as severe dehydraton or even heatstroke, it is imperative that you take your pet to a recommended Emergency Room for immediate treatment. Thankfully, Manhattan residents now have several transportation options available to them: pet amulances, pet taxies or other car services or even public NYC mass transit (depending on your pet’s size).
What Are Dehydration and Heatstroke?
Both of these conditions require prompt attention. Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough water to function properly. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when the body's temperature rises too high. Pets can suffer from both dehydration and heatstroke if they are left out in the sun for too long, are not given enough water to drink or if they exercise too strenuously.
Dehaydration can be simply defined as a lack of water that your dog or cat needs to function. The complications, however, are far reaching and may surprise NY pet owners. For instance, when your pet is dehydrated, there’s not enough water to support the organs, aid digestion, retain electrolytes and minerals, lubricate the joints, or – and this is where dehydration connects to heatstroke – regulate your pet’s body temperature.
Heatstroke is a very serious, potentially fatal, condition. It occurs when a pet’s body temperature is too high (over 102.5°F) and your pet cannot independently lower their temperature by panting, which is a form of “evaporative cooling.”
Symptoms of Dehydration and Heatstroke in Pets
In heat or strenuous exercise conditions, of course give your pets lots of water. But also be aware of the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke. Pets who are dehydrated may have dry gums, excessive panting, lethargy and a decreased appetite. If your pet has arthritis, it might be difficult to tell the difference between its unwillingness to move and lethargy, so if it is hot and the pet displays other indications of a heat condition, it's best to call City Pets’ vets for advice.
Pets with heatstroke may display a rapid heartbeat, incoordination, possible collapse or loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Not only can you speak to a member of our City Pets team, but if you believe your pet is suffering from heatstroke, you should seek help at the Animal Medical Center, BluePearl Pet Hospital or other ER hospitals located in New York City.
How Can a Veterinarian Help my Dehydrated Pet?
Dehydration and heatstroke must be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, but it may include providing intravenous fluids to cool the body, oxygen therapy and other temperature-lowering measures. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from dehydration or heatstroke, call our NY veterinary team at 212-581-PETS (7387). Our trained vets and techs will either provide home care if a housecall is appropriate, such as IV fluids and cooling measures such as ice packs, or we will direct you to an emergency vet hospital. We will also provide you with advice to help prevent your pet from encountering these dangerous conditions again.
Find the Best In-Home Veterinary Care in NYC at City Pets
City Pets, Manhattan’s House Call Vets, provides the best home veterinary care in NYC. We understand how difficult it can be to get your pet to a veterinary clinic and the stress this creates for your pet, which is why we come to you. Our team of experienced veterinarians will provide the veterinary care your pet needs in the comfort of their own home. Call us today at (212) 581-7387 (581-PETS) to learn more about our services or to schedule a Manhattan house call!