With the approach of summer, we pet owners need to start thinking about how our animal family members might be affected by the heat. Pets that go outside, particularly dogs and cats, face danger from heatstroke.
In fact, even when an animal isn’t technically outdoors it can still get heatstroke if left in the car. I admit I’ve been guilty once or twice of leaving my dog in the car for “just a few minutes” in fair weather.
Here’s the thing: according to a Stanford University study, a parked car on a sunny 70-degree day can reach dangerous internal temperatures. No matter if it’s cool outside; if the sun’s out, temperatures within the car can rise up to 40 degrees hotter within an hour.
The study was meant to warn parents about leaving their children in the car, but the science applies just as well to pets as to children. If it’s potentially dangerous to leave dogs in the car for even an hour now, before the weather on the East Coast has gotten oppressively hot, how much worse will it be in the summer?
Luckily, most pet owners know not to leave their animals in the car, especially when it’s hot. Heatstroke can still be dangerous, however, to pets that go outside in the summer (as it’s a danger for anyone outside when it’s too hot). Here are some tips from Dr. Miryam Reems, who works in critical care at Florida Veterinary Specialists, via the Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners’ website:
“1. Keep pets inside on hot days. Even if your yard has shady areas, keep in mind the shadow shifts throughout the day.
2. Always have fresh water available. Whether inside or out, be sure your pet has clean cool water to drink at all times. If you go for a walk or an outing, take plenty of water along. You can also consider thoroughly wetting your dog’s [or cat’s, if you take them on walks] body before a walk.
3. Keep pets well groomed. This helps pets’ fur do what its intended to do — protect them from the sun and insulate them from heat. If their coat is matted and tangled, the fur may actually trap heat.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Keep walks at a gentle pace. And if your pet seems tired, rest a bit or stop the activity. Limit longer walks to early morning or evenings when the sun is not directly overhead and temperatures are more comfortable.”
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Chihiro loves to romp in the sun, but I don’t let her do it for long when it’s too hot out.
Starting around this time of year, my dog and I don’t go out at all in the middle of the day. We take a run around 6 or 6:30 in the morning, and we’re out for a walk by 9 a.m. at the latest. I pay close attention to how she’s doing, and if she seems particularly listless in the heat, I know it’s time to go inside.
Reems also has tips for recognizing heatstroke and what to do if your pet has it. The symptoms include: “excessive panting, profuse salivation, glazed eyes or staring, anxiety or restlessness, gums and tongue that appear bright red or purple, confusion, trouble standing or walking, collapse, and vomiting.”
If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, do your best to cool it down by wrapping it in cool wet towels and placing it in front of a fan or air conditioning unit/vent. Don’t use ice packs or icy water because it’s also dangerous to cool the body down too quickly. Once this is done, immediately call your vet for direction.
Though it’s fun to go out and play in the summer, we need to be careful to protect both ourselves and our furry friends from the heat.
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What to Consider When Getting a Dog