Protecting pets from the summer heat
As the saying goes, it’s the “dog days” of summer.
With temperatures and humidity at peak levels, dog owners should take precautions to keep their fur babies cool.
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Heatstroke is considered a pet emergency. Without prompt and proper treatment, it can result in upset stomachs, internal organ dysfunction, internal bleeding, or in severe cases, death. This all occurs because of pets’ inability to keep their body temperature within a safe range.
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Unlike humans, pets are unable to sweat, so the effect of outside heat is felt more quickly.
What should owners know to help prevent heatstroke in dogs?
- Never leave a pet in a hot car. Heatstroke can occur within minutes, even on milder days.
- Ensure the pet has access to shade, ventilation, and water while outside on hot, sunny days. Bring pets inside or to a shaded area once outdoor temperatures reach 80 degrees and humidity of at least 90 percent.
- Create a place for pets to cool off while outside, like a kiddie pool filled with cool water.
- Pets should be walked early in the morning. Check pavement temperatures before heading out. Hot surfaces can burn pets’ paws.
- Know if your pet(s) is at high risk. Overweight and elderly pets, pets with cardiac or respiratory problems, and dogs with short noses like bulldogs, boxers and pugs, are extra sensitive to heat.
“There are ways pet owners can prevent overheating from progressing to heatstroke, but they must know the signs, and act quickly,” says Dr. Kevin Kelley, the head of emergency services at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital.
Those signs include:
- Uncontrollable panting
- Foaming at the mouth
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Agitation
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness (or sudden collapse)
- Tongue and gums that turn from bright red to blue to gray
Dr. Kelley says that if you suspect your dog has heatstroke to follow these simple steps:
- Run cool water over the pet with a water bottle or hose or put them in a cool tub.
- Wrap damp, cool towels around the dog.
- Make water available but do not force your pet to drink. Never give sports drinks or electrolyte supplements to pets. These can be harmful.
- If your pet is panting uncontrollably or collapses, takes them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Keep these tips in mind as it’s all about keeping your pets cool and safe during the summer months.
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