While the temperature rises this week, people are looking for ways to cool down. But pets are just as at risk for heat-related health issues as their owners.
Keeping it cool
If you’re a pet owner, you can take precautions to keep your animals cool on hot days. The Centers for Disease Control recommends providing plenty of fresh water for your pets, and making sure the water is in the shade.
If you’re traveling in warm weather with a pet, the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests speaking first with a veterinarian about keeping your pet cool whatever your mode of transportation.
Heat-related parasites, an unseen hazard, can also impact your pet’s health. Fleas, ticks and heartworms are more common during warm weather, according to the AVMA. Protect your dog by providing the proper prevention medications during the summer.
If you’re taking your pet outside, be aware of any hot surfaces they might walk on, such as asphalt. A pet’s paws can burn on these surfaces, just as easily as human skin can.
Even if your pet is covered in fur, there’s still a risk of sunburn. Some pets might benefit from sunscreen if they’re going to be outside often. Ask a veterinarian where to find the proper sun protection for an animal.
Recognizing the signs
If you keep your pet cool on a hot day, it’s still important to recognize symptoms your pet may be overheating. Some common signs include:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Anxiousness
- Abnormal gum and tongue color
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Mild weakness
- Stupor or actually collapsing
- Seizures
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
Certain pets can be more susceptible to heat-related health issues than others. Because of the shape of their faces, short-nosed animals such as Persian cats or pugs are at a greater risk for heat stroke than other animals, according to a press release from the Heritage Humane Society.
Overweight or elderly pets are also at a greater risk and should be monitored closely. These pets should be kept in air conditioning and shade and with access to fans.
Danger in the parking lot
One of the more common ways to injure a pet is leaving it in a car on a hot day, according to the Heritage Humane Society. Leaving them in a car for even a short period of time can be harmful.
When the temperature is 72°F, it can take less than 15 minutes for a parked car to rise to 110°F, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. While these temperatures can be deadly for children, it can be easy to forget how harmful they are for pets.
Cracking your car windows or parking in the shade will not protect your pet, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
If you see a dog locked in a hot car, Heritage recommends that you call 911 and take down the car’s identifying information, or that you call animal control.
If there are any businesses close by, Heritage suggests asking the manager to make an announcement to customers. The pet’s owner might hear and come back to help their animal.
When the owner is not around, Virginia police or firefighters are permitted to break into vehicles to rescue a pet. This can mean breaking windows or prying open a door, and rescuers will not be liable for any civil lawsuits for property damage, according to Heritage.
For more information on keeping pets safe in the heat, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association or Heritage Humane Society online.
