Heatstroke is one of summer’s most frequent canine afflictions and one of the most lethal!
If it’s 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 just imagine how your dog’s paws feel walking on the hot cement, rocks or even dirt.
Before you take your pets for a walk, press the back of your hand firmly on the pavement and hold it there for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Sometimes they just must go out and you don’t have a choice but to take them; in that case, bring a bottle of water with so you can wet down their feet or bodies to cool them off. If possible, walk your dogs earlier in the day or later in the evening when it’s a little cooler. If you do see signs that 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. Dogs’ bodies are much closer to the ground than ours, which makes them more vulnerable to heat coming from the ground.
Heatstroke is one of summer’s most frequent canine afflictions and one of the most lethal! It’s important to learn the signs of heatstroke and how to treat it. Symptoms might include elevated body temperature, vigorous panting, unsteady gait, physical depression or agitation, thick saliva or froth at the mouth, rigid posture, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, collapsing and signs of shock. There are several websites, including the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, that have additional information about what to watch for and how to get animals help. The dangers of heat stroke include seizures, coma, organ failure and even death. If dogs are showing any of these signs, get them inside, soak a towel in cool water and cover them with it. If they want water, let them drink room temperature water (not cold) and call your veterinarian or animal hospital to let them know you’re on your way.
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 forgetting to provide water and shade to pets that are outdoors. Do not leave your dogs in the car. Even with the windows cracked, it takes as little as 10 minutes for the temperature to rise 20 degrees. If it is 85 degrees outside, within 10 minutes, it will be 102 degrees inside the car and within 30 minutes, it will rise to 120 degrees.
Some dogs are more prone to developing heat exhaustion, especially dogs that are older or 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 average body temperature stays 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 continually by lying on cool surfaces, panting and drinking cold water.
Make sure your cat is comfortable by doing a few preventative things around the house. Water evaporates faster in the summer, so it’s a good idea to keep bowls of cold water throughout your home. Close the curtains and limit the amount of sun and heat that comes into your home. Not only will your kitty enjoy the shade, but you also 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 help keep your cat cooler during the day and circulate the cooler air around the house. I have mine set on a timer so that they aren’t running all day.
If you notice excessive panting, a rapid heart rate, sunken eyes or little to no urine in your cat’s litterbox, your pet may be dehydrated and/or suffering from heat exhaustion. The ASPCA recommends watching closely for heat exhaustion in cats with flat faces, those who are obese, have heart or lung issues or are elderly.
Taking a few extra precautions during the hotter months and knowing what steps to take should they 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.