Safeguard your pets from summer heat

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Safeguard your pets from summertime heat

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Adobe Stock photo Just as with humans, dogs should not be left confi ned or unattended in a hot car, where temperatures can rise as much as 20 degrees in 10 minutes.

by ANNETTE JOYCE

NORTHWEST

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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While the lazy days of summer are often filled with vacations, pool parties and cookouts, pet owners are reminded that high temperatures, which can hover around 90 to 95 degrees in our area during the hottest part of the day, can be extremely hazardous for your pets. Hallmarks of North Carolina summers, extreme heat and humidity can result in dehydration and heatstroke for both humans and pets. As a pet owner, it’s up to you to ensure your pet isn’t in a situation that could lead to these potentially fatal conditions. Dr. Angel Fuller, veterinarian and owner of King’s Crossing Animal Hospital in Stokesdale, confirms that heatstroke or hyperthermia can occur when a pet’s temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher, and these conditions can come on quickly. Pets are unable to sweat like humans, so the effects of heat are felt more quickly and strongly. Heatstroke, which The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996 occurs when a pet’s body mechanisms cannot keep its body temperature within a safe range, is considered a pet emergency. If not treated, it can result in gastrointestinal upset, internal organ dysfunction, internal bleeding, infection, or in severe cases, death.

Many heatstroke cases in pets occur when they’re left in a vehicle on a hot day. This has become such a common occurrence that 31 states have enacted laws which either prohibit leaving an animal confined or unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions, or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle.

That prohibition exists in North Carolina; however, only certain authorized people – such as animal control officers, firefighters and law enforcement officers – have civil immunity to rescue the animal.

Fuller’s best advice for the welfare of your pet and adherence to the law is simply to use common sense – i.e., don’t leave your pet in a vehicle in high temperatures.

“If that’s not possible, have the air conditioner on but have your pet secure

Adobe Stock photo Owners who leave their dogs outside on a hot day are advised to provide them with plenty of fresh water – and if possible, a cooling source such as a kiddie pool. Hardwood Waterproof Laminate

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from bumping the gear shifter,” Fuller advised.

Too often people think they’ll just run a quick errand and their pet will be okay for the short period of time it’s left in the car. Fuller said pet owners need to realize the temperature in a vehicle can rise very quickly – up to 20 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

During the relentless summer heat, closed vehicles are not the only issues pet owners should consider. When outdoors for extended periods, especially in the hottest part of the day, pets require shade. Be especially mindful of the movement of the sun. An area that might be shaded in the morning could be completely in the sun within a couple of hours. Along with a shaded area, provide plenty of fresh water and if possible, a cooling source such as a kiddie pool filled with cool water.

Another tip is to trim your dog’s hair shorter in the summer, especially if it will be spending time outdoors in the heat. Longer-haired pets can be given a shorter trim to help ventilate their skin.

Also, take extra precautions when exercising or walking your pet during the summertime. Heat and humidity are not a good combination, so try to take your dog out during the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are lower. Be especially careful walking on pavement or concrete, since both surfaces soak up heat and can burn your dog’s paw pads.

Finally, know if your pet is high risk. Overweight and elderly pets, pets with cardiac or respiratory problems, and dogs with short noses like bulldogs, boxers and pugs, are heat sensitive. Take extra precautions if your pet falls in one of these categories.

It’s a good idea to know the signs of heat-related distress in pets. They include: excessive lethargy, decreased urination, disorientation, muscle weakness, dry gums, refusal to eat, sunken eyes, excessive panting and seizures.

Should you notice these signs in your pet, Fuller advises seeking veterinary care immediately. And while en route, try to start cooling your pet with lukewarm or cool water – but never use icecold water – along the neck and chest.

Summertime should be a fun time to enjoy with your pets. With just a little extra care and precaution, that’s exactly what you should expect.

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