Protect Your Pet From Summer Heat

 

With the onset of warmer weather, many people are spending more time outdoors, often with their pets.  
 
While a lot of animals do enjoy spending time out of the house, pet owners need to take precautions to ensure their furry friends stay safe in the summer heat, said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine.  
 
“Just as you hydrate yourself and take other precautions such as applying sunscreen, it’s vital to keep a close eye on your pet when spending time outdoors,” Biggs said. “Keep a close eye on your pets and pay attention to messages your pet may be sending when they’re outside on a hot, sunny day.”  
 
Because they don’t sweat like humans, dogs cool themselves primarily by panting. Excessive panting indicates a pet is overheated. Dogs will also seek shade or a breeze to help cool themselves.  
 
“If you’re out for a walk or simply playing in the yard and your dog stops and plops down, he is telling you he can’t keep cool enough for this activity,” she said. “A dog’s gums are a great indicator of being overheated. Gums may appear redder than normal early on, and if they’re excessively overheated, gums may appear pale. Also, a dog’s gums may be dry or tacky if they’re not staying adequately hydrated.”  
 
If spending time at a pond or lake, don’t assume a pet will drink that water. Dogs are accustomed to and likely prefer water from home. Always bring a bowl and water along on your outings and try to keep the water cool.  
 
For dogs who love car rides, make sure the destination allows dogs inside to cool down from the heat. 
 
“Never, ever leave your dog in the car, even with the windows open. Cars heat up very quickly. In fact, in 80-degree weather, cars can heat up to 110 degrees in only 15 minutes,” Biggs said. “Because dogs pant to keep themselves cool, taking in the hot air inside a vehicle has little cooling effect and the animal will quickly overheat. Your pet may pay dearly for even a few minutes spent in a sweltering car. If it’s really hot outside, it’s better to simply leave your pet at home.”  
 
Pet owners who enjoy going for a walk or run with their dog must remember asphalt gets very hot during the summer – hot enough to burn the pads on a dog’s foot. The best option is to go on short walks early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is lower.  
Before taking a dog for a walk, check the ground for hotness with hands or bare feet. If hands or feet can’t be kept on the ground for more than three seconds, it is certainly too hot for an animal.  
 
“Dogs that are older or overweight, have a thick coat or have a pushed-in nose are more at risk of overheating,” she said. “If you do go on a walk, bring along some water for your pet.” 
 
Keeping a dog hydrated is essential to good health and is especially important during the summer months. If the dog is inside during the day, make sure to supply fresh, cool water that remains in a shaded spot throughout the day. The sun streaming through a window can quickly heat a bowl of water. Many dogs won’t drink hot water no matter how thirsty they are.  
 
If a dog stays outside during the day, make sure the water bowl is in a place where it cannot be tipped over. Water bowls can be tipped over by dogs trying to make a cool spot to lie down. If possible, give dogs fresh, clean water several times throughout the day.  
 
Also, make sure to provide dogs with plenty of shade. A small kiddie pool is a great way to provide a fun cooling-off spot where the dog can play.  
 
“Despite all your precautions, your dog may still show signs of heat stress or heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting that does not resolve as the pet rests, increasing distress, a tongue color that is dark red to almost purple, weakness or collapse, hyper-salivation, vomiting and labored breathing,” Biggs said. “If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, move him to a cooler environment immediately and apply cool water to the abdomen, ears and foot pads.”  
 
Do not pour ice water over the whole animal, nor should pet owners submerge their pets in a tub of cold water or cover him in a cold, wet blanket. Once stable, get the pet to a vet as quickly as possible, even if he seems to be cooling down and his temperature seems normal. Things may be happening on the inside that are not obvious from the outside.  
 
Keeping dogs well-groomed is another way to cut down on the risk of heat stress and heat stroke and to help keep the animal more comfortable in the summer heat. A natural coat that has been groomed offers protection from sunburn and acts as cooling insulation. Shaving a dog’s coat will take away that protection.  
 
“Remember, your pet can’t tell you in words when something is wrong. As responsible pet owners, it’s your job to protect and provide for your pet,” she said. “If you’re feeling uncomfortably warm, it’s a sure bet your dog is, too.”