High Temperatures and Your Pets

Sun lovers are hoping for a forecast of temperatures ranging from the low 80s to low 90s. Other people less enamored with the heat are groaning, but it is pets, not people, that have the most to fear.

Dogs are particularly prone to heat effects. Our best buddies are always eager to hop in the car, go for a walk or play a game of catch no matter what the temperature. They can suffer when we forget the potentially deadly effects.

Pets can die of heat stroke as easily as human beings and they are exposed to deadly temperatures far more often. A stay in a stifling hot car or sizzling pickup bed, an exuberant game of catch, or a walk on hot asphalt can easily result in injury - even death. When the temperature is getting into the 80s, it's too hot for your pet to be outside without adequate shade.

Leaving the windows open will not cool a car enough to make it safe for your dog in high temperatures. The temperature inside a car in the summer heat can soar to 170 degrees and can cause heat stroke and death in minutes.  

Leaving dogs tied up outside is a threat as well. They can panic and strangle themselves on leads when left outdoors in the summer heat. They can die of heat stroke if they become too tangled up to reach shade. Outside dogs can also knock over their water dishes and suffer dehydration.

Aging and ailing animals are particularly vulnerable so it is a better option to keep them inside. A downstairs or basement room where it may be cooler the best place for pets.

If keeping an animal outside is unavoidable, it is essential that shade and water be available. Set up a flat hose with small mist jets in the shade area to provide a cooling effect. Some dogs enjoy children's wading pools filled with two or three inches of water. Make sure the water is changed regularly to keep it cool. However, do not leave animals unsupervised near a swimming pool.  Dogs can easily fall in and drown when they are unable to get out. Providing moving water will often help encourage animals to drink more. Dogs and cats seem to have an innate sense that drinking from moving water is better.  It is also important to avoid walking dogs on hot asphalt, concrete, tin, or steel because it can burn their pads. A good rule of practice is that if it is too hot for your feet, it is too hot for your pet's feet. 

Letting your pets play strenuously during the heat of the day not a good idea. Animals should get their exercise during the early morning or late evening hours. A lot of dogs will run themselves into heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, rapid heart and respiratory rates, excessive drooling and weakness, stupor or collapse. If you suspect a problem, call your vet immediately.



-Some information taken from "Heat Poses a Hazard for Pets" by Nicole Montesano