Today in the scorching heat I saw a young man being pulled by his dog while he was standing on a skateboard. I don't think the dog owner had a clue just how dangerous this practice is in such heat.
Pets are unable to sweat all over their bodies like people can. They rely completely upon panting (to get rid of hot air and inhale cool air) to cool themselves. Some sweating occurs through their foot pads and nose, but this is insufficient to effectively cool them. These differences in pets make them especially prone to heatstroke during hot, humid weather. There is no critical temperature to avoid, since heatstroke can occur at even lower environmental temperatures if the humidity is very high.
What you might not be aware of is what to do if your pet suffers from a common heat-induced condition called heatstroke. It must be treated as a life threatening condition.
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Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Excessive or exaggerated panting
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Drooling
- High fever
- Dark red gums
- Rapid heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness to commands and surroundings
- Vomiting
- Collapse
- Staring/anxious expression
- Warm/dry skin
It is imperative to get the pet to a doctor immediately as permanent damage to organs including the heart, liver, kidneys and brain can occur.
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Safety tips
If you do take your pet outside for exercise, play or a walk, make sure she has plenty of access to cool water, shaded areas and rest. It is never recommended to leave your pet outside on hot days. Even if your pet has access to shaded areas, she can easily become overheated.
During hot weather, it is especially important to be cautious with short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as Pugs, Shi Tzus, Pekingese, Bulldogs and Boxers, who have shorter faces or noses. These breeds are especially prone to suffering from heatstroke as they aren’t able to pant as efficiently as dogs with longer faces.
Be aware that a pet can get heatstroke while swimming and even the most athletic breeds and dogs who are very fit can suffer from heatstroke.
Very old or very young pets and sick or debilitated pets, especially pets with heart or respiratory disease, are at even great risk for heatstroke and need extra special consideration during the hot months. Even pets who are used to being outside may not be able to tolerate the hot weather if they are sick or getting older.
In addition to not overexerting your pet, not walking her during the middle of the day or leaving her in your car on a hot day. Pets can burn their paw pads on hot asphalt, rock or sand very easily during very hot weather.
If your pet will be indoors on a hot day, give her access to water and a cool area. Keep an air conditioner or fan on. It is particularly important not to confine her to any room where temperatures are especially high (a sunroom, for example).
Keeping your pet’s temperature at a normal level
If you suspect heatstroke, head straight for the veterinarian’s office! While on your way, you can help lower your pet’s body temperature into the normal range by applying towels soaked in cool water or rubbing alcohol to the hairless areas of the pet’s body, especially your pet’s feet (do not use ice water). Place the pet face near a fan if possible.
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