Any animal can suffer from heat stroke, and not necessarily during the summer months only.  In fact, most heat stroke attacks occur in late April, May and early June.  This is because outdoor pets are not accustomed to the Texas heat.  Animals that are kept in hot cars or garages, overweight animals, brachycephalic breeds (meaning short-nosed breeds, especially the English Bulldogs and Persian cats), and long haired or heavy coated breeds (Malamutes and Huskies, Newfoundlands, Chows, Keeshonds, etc.) are at higher risk for heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, weakness, bright red gums or tongue, neurological signs such as staggering or a sudden lameness, hot extremities (feel the ears!) and unresponsiveness.  The best thing to do in this instance is cool your animal down.  Cool water if available with a fan is preferred.  Rubbing alcohol can be placed on the feet to help speed up the cooling process.  Placing your pet on hard, cool floors is also good.  Many of these animals will still need veterinary attention for fluid therapy or further treatment.  Cool your pet down as best you can and then take him or her immediately to the vet. 

Prevention of heat stroke is usually through common sense measures. 

• Provide adequate shade and plenty of water for outdoor pets
  
• Whenever possible (especially in the Texas heat) bring outdoor pets inside during the hottest times of the day
  
• Consider grooming long coated breeds during the summer with a short clip or shave
• When walking pets or at the dog park, watch for any signs of overheating and take breaks when necessary (a lot of dogs will not stop running if they are having fun, even if they are getting overheated!)
• Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day
• Always take water with you on a walk
  
• NEVER leave your dog or cat in a parked car during the summer
  
• NEVER leave a pet in a hot garage during the summer