Pet Health

Healthy and Well Keep Your Pet Cool and Hydrated This Summer

By Jaime Smoot Speed

“Friday is set to be a real scorcher, with highs of 102 degrees Fahrenheit expected.” When you hear this forecast, your pet may not be the first thing you think of, but I encourage you to make it a habit of planning your day with your pet in mind.

Consider whether you must leave your pet outside unattended or in your car. If it feels hot to you, it feels hot to your dog. Consider that their normal body temperature is 101.5 +/- 1 degree …. this is considered a fever for us. Then consider that they cannot sweat and they have a fur coat. Some dogs are overweight, have thick undercoats, have short noses, or have pre-existing health conditions that make heat worse for them. The most common question we get is about keeping your pet in the car. Even on a warm day, simply cracking a window, sunroof, or parking in the shade is often not enough. Dogs pant off their excessive heat, and the brain signals for them to find somewhere cooler to lie down. When they are in the car, they are unable to seek a cooler place, their panted air just comes right back to them, and the windows are heating the inside air every minute. Some people leave the car running while they run inside. While this may seem like a good idea, what if the a/c malfunctions or the car turns off? Keep these trips to an absolute minimum or avoid them at all. Lastly, keep this in mind: if it is 70 degrees outside, it is 100 degrees inside a closed car. If it is 90 degrees outside, it is 140 degrees inside. Heat acclimation, which is where the pet’s body adjusts to the surrounding temperatures takes approximately 60 days. This is why heatstroke is the most common in the beginning of spring and summer. Internal temperatures greater than 105.8 degrees can cause nervous system damage and internal temperatures greater than 109 degrees can cause irreversible brain damage. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and all brachycephalic breeds are at the highest risks. Heat stroke, or clinical hyperthermia, carries a guarded prognosis with a mortality rate believed to be about 50%.

If you suspect an animal of heatstroke, mist with cool or room temperature water and place in front of a fan, but do NOT use cold water. Drive to the hospital with the air on or the windows rolled down. Do not place wet towels on the pet as this prevents proper evaporation. Also keep in mind that cooling pets too quickly can be dangerous, so do not attempt to do this solely on your own. This type of emergency needs a team of experienced technicians and veterinarians to manage. Prevention is key to keeping your dog safe from hot temperatures. Always allow them to have access to water, consider a cooling vest or cooling towel – these are specially designed to allow for evaporation, and bring a handheld fan. Lastly, consider carrying a pet first aid kit in the car with a thermometer. Most importantly, listen to your pet – if they are panting heavily and wanting to find somewhere cool, allow them to follow their instincts. I hope you and your pet enjoy your time together this summer safely!

Jaime Smoot Speed was born in West Virginia, went to James Madison University with a BS in molecular biology, then worked at Johns Hopkins doing research until attending UGA for Vet School. She graduated 2010 and moved to Clayton with her husband who is a native five years ago. She works at Clayton Veterinary Hospital. She opened Claws & Paws in December 2020. You can reach Claws & Paws at 706-212-7322 or visit their website: claytonpawsandclaws.com or on facebook and instagram: @claytonclawsandpaws

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