When treating heatstroke, which action is recommended?

• A. Apply ice packs to the head
• B. Keep the animal in a hot space
• C. Apply cool wet towels to the animal; no ice; focus on cooling the head
• D. Offer hot tea

Answer: (C)

Heatstroke is an emergency where you want to lower body temperature quickly but safely. The best immediate measure among common first aid actions is to start cooling with cool, damp towels over the animal and avoid using ice. This approach helps dissipate heat without the risk of tissue damage or shock that ice can cause. The other options would either keep the animal hot or add heat (ice packs on the head can cause cold injury, staying in a hot space is obviously wrong, and offering hot tea would worsen overheating). Start cooling now with tepid water or wet towels, keep the animal in a shaded, cooler area, and seek veterinary care promptly for further treatment.