Summertime is full of fun in the sun, but as we all know too much sun and heat can quickly cause problems such as dehydration and heatstrokes. Our pets are also subject to these risks of heatstroke and heat exhaustion during the summer season, so it is important to be aware of how to keep your pet safe so they can enjoy the warm weather with you and your family.
Heat stroke is a serious concern for pets when temperatures and humidity rise. If a pet experiences heat stroke, common signs that could be seen are: excessive panting, collapse, excessive drooling, lack of coordination, or loss of consciousness. While any pet could have a heat stroke if outside in extreme heat for too long, certain canine breeds are especially prone to heat stroke and should be kept cool and indoors when extreme temperatures occur. These higher risk breeds include what we call the brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Boston terriers. Essentially, any dog with a flatter face is more likely to suffer from heat stroke due to their shortened airways which make it harder for them to breathe, especially in extreme temperatures.
Education is Key to Awareness of Heatstrokes & More
It is important to remember that dogs thermoregulate by panting, not by sweating. The only place where dogs truly sweat, is through their paw pads. Hot temperatures can also be a concern for your dog’s paw pads too, as hot asphalt or concrete can easily reach high enough temperatures to burn paw pads. Keep in mind, if it’s too hot for you to walk in your bare feet on hot concrete, it’s definitely the same situation for your pet and their paw pads.
Be Prepared for the Heat
In order to beat the heat, please be prepared. Always bring fresh cool water along for your pet and an umbrella or some way to be able to provide shade. If a pet is appearing affected by the heat, offer them cool water, as long as your pet is alert, and let them drink it on their own. It’s never a good idea to force an unresponsive pet to drink water. You can also use cool wet towels or cloths or even blankets to put on a pet’s body to help cool them gradually. If your pet is comfortable with you handling their feet, you can also put your dog’s feet in cool water.
If your pet is experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, it’s always best to reach out for veterinary care. Time is critical to help control their symptoms and get good effective treatment options. Contact us if you have concerns.
