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Keep Pets Safe from Heat Stroke and Summer Hazards

Keep Your Pets Safe from Heat Stroke and Summer Hazards


               Temperatures are on the rise this July in South Central Pennsylvania.  Pets may be prone to heat stroke and other heat related issues. What can you do to protect your pets?

  • Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature increases (typically above 105F) and cannot properly cool down.  A sustained body temperature of 106 or above can cause organ failure and may be fatal.

Dogs and cats lose heat primarily by panting since they lack sweat glands. Pets overheat quickly especially if they have underlying health conditions such as respiratory issues like laryngeal paralysis or asthma, if they are obese or if they are very young or very old.  Breeds with short noses like bulldogs or Persian cats or breeds with long, thick coats such as the Great Pyrenees are also at increased risk for heat stroke.  It doesn’t even necessarily need to be that hot outside if the pet is undergoing physical exertion and cannot cool down or if they are confined in a hot space such as a car without adequate ventilation.  Working or hunting dogs may be at risk if overworked on hot days.

Early symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, confusion/dazed appearance, staggering and rapid heart rate.  As the body temperature continues to climb, more serious signs can occur: vomiting and diarrhea, loss of consciousness, seizures, bright red gums and kidney and liver damage.

Cats are less susceptible to heat stroke but they CAN overheat, especially if trapped in a hot space like a shed or attic without water, in a hot car or in a clothes dryer.  Cats have similar symptoms such as open mouth breathing/panting, drooling, vomiting, disorientation and restlessness.

What should you do if you suspect your pet is experiencing heat stroke?  You need to cool your pet down, but be careful not to drop his temp too rapidly—DON’T use ice packs or feed your pet ice. DO offer water if the pet is conscious, not vomiting and willing to drink but DON’T force pets to drink. DO wet your pet with tepid water or place wet towels against the belly and groin areas. DO move to a cool, shady place or indoors with a fan or air conditioner. GET TO A VET as soon as you can. Have windows down or the air conditioner on to keep your pet cool on the ride. It’s best to get your pet checked since sustained high body temperatures could lead to serious consequences like organ failure.

How can you prevent heat stroke? Exercise pets early in the morning or late at night when temperatures drop, make sure pets have plenty of access to fresh cold water, limit heavy activity during hot weather, provide shade and make sure cats are not trapped in sheds, barns, etc. without access to water. And, of course, it should go without saying, NEVER, EVER, EVER, leave a pet in a parked car in warm weather.

  • Hot Pavement/Concrete—Dog’s paw pads are pretty tough, but, if they are not used to walking on rough surfaces, or, if the surface is very hot, their pads can become burned.  If a surface is too hot for you to walk on barefoot or too hot to comfortably place your hand on for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet. Limit walks to early mornings or late evenings when roads and sidewalks are not as hot or walk your dog in the grass.  Cats can sustain burns on hot surfaces, too, so check your kitty’s paws if she goes outside.  If your pet has burned her pads, keep her off hot surfaces, keep burned areas clean and, if your pet seems very painful or burns look infected, have her checked by your vet.
  • Garden hoses—hose water can become scalding if exposed to the sun.  If you use a hose to spray or bathe your dog or allow your dog to drink from the hose, test the water before turning the hose on your hound.

               We hope you have fun this summer, but keep these potential hazards in mind and be sure to use caution to keep your pets safe this summer!

This Blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/heat-exhaustion-in-dogs

https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/what-you-should-know-about-heat-stroke-in-cats


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