This time of year brings the delights of snow cones and splashing at the beach. But it also brings the very real risk of heatstroke for two and four leggers alike. Pet Safety Expert Denise Fleck offers valuable information and tips on what to do in the case of a companion animal heatstroke emergency.
1 Keeping companions cool is critical! In the case of a pet heatstroke emergency, Pet Safety Expert Denise Fleck offers life saving training and tips.
2 Dogs, cats and most other furry animals don’t sweat to regulate their body temperature (100.4̊ F – 102.5̊̊F). (Deuce and Cleo lounging, Hillsdale, New Jersey)
3 Dogs pant to exchange cooler outside air with the warm humid air in their lungs.
4 Cats don’t usually pant until they are overwhelmed and overcome by the heat. (Photo of Max and Sami hangin' out, by Blondie)
5 If the outside air isn’t cooler than their body temperature, an animal can succumb to Heatstroke.
6 Old and overweight pets as well as short-nosed breeds are at the greatest risk. (Oscar and Stewie, Rochester, New York)
7 An air-conditioned house is safest for your furry friend...
8 ...but the next best thing is a well-ventilated/insulated doghouse or a shaded porch with a fan or misting system. Johnny G. and....
9 Provide fresh water throughout the day. (Photo by Paul Morse)
10 and make sure that outside bowls remain in the shade even when the sun moves in the late afternoon. Photo by HelenMB
11 Outside food bowls should be placed in a pan containing a few inches of water to keep ants out.
12 Cot-style beds like the one above allow air to circulate around an animal and keeps them from direct contact with hot cement. Beds that cool dogs down are also available.
13 Also remember… Hot concrete & asphalt can burn precious paws! If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws.
14 Walk your pets during the cool parts of the day and stick to the grass.
15 Dog shoes are great on hot surfaces for short periods of time, but since heat is expelled from the pads of the feet, you dog is likely to overheat if his paws are covered for long periods on hot days.
16 And NEVER leave an animal unattended in a car- even if windows are cracked and it's only for a few minutes.
17 And if you see an animal of any kind in a car, be sure to locate an owner, alert them of the dangers or get help if the animal is in need of it.
18 Do not assume all will be ok- you can simply stay nearby and watch until someone gets to the car if you prefer this approach. But be sure the animal is ultimately safe.
19 Many people are not aware of how hot a car can get in very little time-and that cracking the windows is not a guaranteed safeguard.
20 It can be useful to educate others about the dangers of heat- but best to do so in a non-confrontational, non- accusatory manner.
21 Assume the car owner wants the best for his/her pet and did not intend to do harm. Then you can explain things as one fellow animal lover to another. (Kelly Backes and rescued Marty)
22 Always remember to provide your fur kids with access to lots of fresh water. (Walter and Mojito of Pennsylvania)
23 Dogs need access to drinking water for safety but many of them also love to frolic in it as part of their summer fun! Splish Splash!
While human animals are typically able to get water and retreat to a cooler locale- our companion animals are truly at our mercy when the heat sets in. One of the scariest things about heatstroke is that it can occur quickly and it's damaging effects can be progressive, lifelong and fatal.
It is best not to take any chances when it comes to heat and animals- leaving your pooch in a car while you make a quick run into the store is a BAD idea. According to Denise, "Even with windows open, a parked car can quickly reach more than 150 degrees resulting in heat stroke which can cause permanent brain damage, kidney failure, cardiac arrest and death. Never leave an animal unattended in the car for even a few minutes." And keep in mind that you may be away longer than planned due to any number of unexpected possibilities!
Other summer precautions include assuring that, if your companion animal is outside, there is a large supply of fresh water, shade and the ability to relocate to cooler areas as the sun's position changes. Many states now have anti-tethering protection laws that prohibit 'owners' from leaving a dog outside on a chain.
Also remember that any wildlife or feral cats that you feed also need plenty of water- preferably fresh water. Be sure if you are providing food or water to area animals, that you set it up in way that minimizes it's exposure to heat and insects. Containers placed in the shade under a dripping hose or where they can catch rainwater can be a useful way to provide ongoing water.
WHAT TO DO IN THE CASE OF HEATSTROKE
by Denise Fleck
• Move your pet to a cooler environment. Indoors is best but even a shady sidewalk or grassy area can help.
• Place pet in a tub or wading pool (But not in ice water). Think “from the paws up,” if using a hose to wet his skin, belly, arm pits, groin and paws first. Water sprayed on the back may just skim off the fur and not cool the skin.
• Also keep in mind that on hot days water coming out of a hose can initially be very hot. Take care to let water run till cool before spraying on your precious pet.
• You can also cover animal with wet towels and use a cold pack around neck (30 seconds on one side and then 30 seconds on the other). Never use ice water!
• Offer small amounts of water or an electrolyte replenisher like Pedialyte or K9 Quencher, but don’t force your pet to drink and do not let him “tank up” when he is over heated. You risk the possibility of him vomiting the water and aspirating into his lungs. Fluids may need to be given intravenously at the Vet.
• Check temperature under the tail every 5 minutes and stop cooling process at 103° F.
• Get to Vet or Emergency Center ASAP if temperature is above 103̊F. Be prepared to treat for Shock and administer Rescue Breathing & CPR.
As always, a big thanks to Denise for her guidance. Enjoy the pleasures of summer and be sure to keep your furry little loved ones cool, comfortable and safe as the mercury rises!
In kinship,
Dr. Pia Salk
From: Kirby Bear | 6/2/11 at 9:43 am
Hello ladies, Kirby here.
And hello to you too Dr. Pia. As usual you have given us some valuable information about pets. I know that the heat isn’t a good thing for pets which have to stay outdoors. I am really lucky that I can stay inside and go out whenever I want. When ever my Mommy and Daddy work outside, I often will sit and watch them and keep telling them that we need to go back inside. Sometimes they do listen to me and come inside where it’s cooler.
Catch you later, Kirby.
From: delia | 6/2/11 at 9:46 am
Again Great advice! what adorable photos, especially the ones with a cat and dog, too sweet!
I do hope people really think about this overheating and protecting their beloved pets, they 'are' your responsibility.
Seeing all that is going on with Tornado's, it makes me sad thinking also of the animals that are affected.
Have a safe weekend everyone!
From: terri salerno | 6/2/11 at 9:50 am
Dr. Pia being a shih tzu breeder I always have to stress the need for air conditioning for this breed.Any short snout dog can have even abigger problem with heat and breathing in it, because of how their nose is so short. Terri
From: Rebel | 6/2/11 at 10:03 am
Dear Dr. Pia,
I really like the summer, I take naps on the deck in the sun & when I get warm I go down & lay in the cool grass. I really want to go in the car with my Mimi to the store, but she says "Not today, too hot".
Your friend
Rebel, the chihuahua
From: DDR & animallover jan | 6/2/11 at 10:45 am
Hi Dr. Pia, Thanks for another important blog post for all animal lovers to understand how to keep their sweet babies as healthy as can be! These photos are darling and your thoughtful information is extremely important for keeping ALL animals cool as the weather gets hotter during the summer and is even hot all year long in some places! Hope you have another great week and will see you next Thursday! Jan
From: Tessa | 6/2/11 at 2:29 pm
Thanks Pia all that info sure was helpful! Because I am a Registered Service Dog I go everywhere with my Mom! I sure am lucky too!
woos, Tessa