Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses for canines and one of the most lethal. It’s essential to learn the signs of heatstroke and how to treat it.
At 77 degrees outside, the temperature of the pavement is 125 degrees, and at 87 degrees, the temperature of the pavement is a whopping 143 degrees! An egg can fry at 131 degrees in just five minutes, so imagine how your dog’s paws feel walking on the hot ground.
Before you take Fido for a walk, press the back of your hand firmly on the pavement and hold it there for 7 seconds…if it’s too hot for you, it’s way too hot for them. Yes, sometimes they have to go out and you don’t have a choice; in that case, bring water so you can wet down their feet or body to cool them off. Try to walk your dogs earlier in the day or later in the evening when it’s a little cooler. If you see signs your dog’s paws are getting burned, carry them home if possible. Get cool compresses on their paws immediately along with cool towels on their body and call your veterinarian. A dog’s body is much closer to the ground than ours, which makes them more vulnerable to heat coming from the ground and overheating faster.
Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses for canines and one of the most lethal. It’s essential to learn the signs of heatstroke and how to treat it. Symptoms include raised body temperature, heavy panting, unstable walking, thick saliva or frothing, stiff posture, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, collapsing and shock.
There are several websites, including the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, with more information on signs to watch for and how to provide help. The dangers of heatstroke include seizures, coma, organ failure and even death. If your dog is showing any of the heat-related symptoms, get them inside, soak a towel in cool water and cover them with it. If they are thirsty, let them drink room temperature water (not cold, as you want to avoid sending them into shock) and call your veterinarian or animal hospital to let them know you’re coming.
Any hot environment can cause heatstroke in dogs, but the most common cause is a careless action by a pet owner, such as leaving a dog in a car or not providing water and shade to pets outdoors. Do not leave your dog in the car under any circumstances. Just think about how hot it is when you get in your car to go somewhere before you start it. It’s miserable! If it’s 75 degrees outside, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach 100 degrees inside the car! If it’s 85 outside, it only takes about seven minutes to hit 100! Even having the windows all the way down isn’t enough. If you’re going to take your dog somewhere with you, make sure dogs are allowed so you don’t have to leave them in the car where the possibility of heatstroke – or worse – can happen. I know many of us think, “I’m just running in for a second,” but sometimes you get in a store and there’s a long line or some other delay and by the time you get back to your car, it could be too late.
Some dogs are more prone to developing heat exhaustion, especially dogs who are older, overweight, or breeds that have more of a flat face, like pugs and bulldogs.
And let’s not forget about our furry feline friends who can suffer from heat related problems, too. Their body temperature is around 102 degrees Fahrenheit, but this doesn’t mean they’ll be safe or comfortable in a warm house. Cats can’t sweat like we do, so your feline friend needs to release heat constantly by lying on cool surfaces, panting and drinking cold water.
Make sure your cat is comfortable by doing a few things around the house:
Water evaporates faster in the summer, so keep bowls of cold water throughout your home.
Close the curtains to limit the amount of sun and heat that comes in. Not only will your kitty enjoy the shade, but you won’t be hit with a blast of heat when you get home. You can also keep a fan running in a couple of spots to keep your cat cooler during the day and circulate. I have mine set on a timer so they aren’t running all day, and it does help.
If you notice excessive panting, a rapid heart rate, sunken eyes, or little to no urine in your cat’s litter box, your pet may be dehydrated and/or suffering from heat exhaustion. Be sure to watch for heat exhaustion in cats with flat faces, if they are obese, have heart or lung issues, or are elderly.
Taking extra safety measures during hotter months and knowing what steps to take if your pets develop heat-related problems could ultimately be life saving to your furry family member! QCBN
By Loree Walden
Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.
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