Keeping Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

Here we are again upon another well-deserved, eagerly awaited summer season. While we’re all anxious to spend as much time outdoors as possible, it’s important to remember safety. It’s been a while since our bodies have been exposed to the rays and heat of the sun, so it’s best to allow ourselves to acclimatize slowly and take precautions when we’re outside.

Likewise for our pets who also need time to adjust to the heat and humidity and should be monitored carefully for over-exposure. On days which the 3 H’s – haze, heat and humidity – are in the forecast, it’s wise to keep your pet’s outside activity and exercise minimal. Pets are at a greater risk for heatstroke than we are, so it’s important to carefully watch your pet for signs of overheating.
What is heatstroke? Heatstroke – Hyperthermia – is the result of an elevated core body temperature that results in a pet’s inability to control their temperature via their body’s ventilation system. The blood loses the ability to carry oxygen to the organs and brain which causes death of the organs. Damage begins at the cellular level and if not quickly treated, causes irreversible organ and brain damage, then failure of all organ systems and finally death.

Humans know when to take some time out of the sun to re-hydrate, apply sunscreen and cool down. We are very well equipped to effectively release heat through our many sweat glands. However, when cats and dogs were on the design board, someone forgot to add additional sweat glands. Surprising perhaps, especially since domestic cats evolved from their desert-dwelling ancestors, nevertheless, neither canine nor feline companions have many sweat glands. The few they do have are located in-between their toes but their primary ability to release heat is by panting. That means they absorb and retain heat at a much quicker and dangerous rate than we do yet cannot release that heat as effectively or quickly. This puts them at a much higher risk for heat related conditions. Exposure to the sun can cause heatstroke to begin in as little as 10 minutes and with little exertion. That’s quite a design flaw for these creatures. Therefore, when it comes to maintaining their core temperature at safe levels, it’s up to us to be diligent and pay close attention they don’t over-exert or over-expose themselves in the summer’s heat.

Dogs are at particular risk for a heat-related illness. They’re not especially concerned with self-regulation. After all, their mission is to keep up with you. Dogs don’t often think “gee, I’m awfully hot, I think I’ll take a time-out, grab a cool drink from my water bowl, lounge in the shade, read a magazine and see how I feel after an hour or so”. Their desire is to go wherever their human goes; be a roller-blading partner, jogging partner or beach volleyball team member. As nice as it is to have your four-legged coach along, it really isn’t in his best interest on those hot days.

We all know the saying “if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet”. Rein in those longer walks and outdoor activities on those 3-H days. Walk your dog earlier in the day and later in the evening when the sun’s rays aren’t at it’s strongest. Ignore those pleading “I know I can manipulate you into letting me be the master of squirrel chasers even though it’s 90 degrees outside” eyes. He won’t wither away from a few days of less exercise and you will have a healthy dog who can again be master of squirrel chasers when the weather is more squirrel chasing friendly.

Certain breeds are more susceptible than others. Giant breeds such as Mastiffs are more prone to heatstroke due to their size, as are breeds with short snouts such as the Pug, Bulldog and Boxer. Their small and narrow nasal cavities don’t allow them to release heat as effectively as a breed such as a Labrador Retriever.

Cats, while more adept at seeking out refuge from the sun, are not immune from heatstroke. Cats allowed to roam outside are best kept indoors on very hot days. Even better, keep cats indoors at all times or limit their boundaries by allowing outside access in an enclosed area or have your cat on harness and leash and supervise his outings. Not only is the sun an enemy, but so are foxes, raccoons, coyotes (I recently saw a coyote running down a residential street with a squirrel in it’s mouth. The coyote was oblivious and unbothered by the coming and going of cars and humans!); other cats, dogs and certainly uncaring humans who set out poison and traps. These all cause serious harm to cats who are given free and unsupervised access to the great (or not so great) outdoors. Breeds such as the Persian also have shorter nasal passages therefore making it more difficult to expel heat through respiration.

Very young and senior pets as well as those with certain types of medical conditions or taking certain medications have even more difficulty warding off the effects of the sun and humidity.

NEVER leave your pet in a vehicle on a hot day. Each year we hear the horror stories about pets left in cars and the devastating results which follow. The temperature inside a vehicle is always higher than the outside temperature. That temperature continues to increase when a vehicle is shut off. The inside temperature can rise 40C within an hour; 80% of that increase happens within minutes. By the time you’ve completed your “I’m just zipping in for a minute” errand that stretches to a half hour your pet’s core temperature has risen well above the high-normal safe reading of 39.2C. Your pet will be in a critical, life-threatening stage of heat illness that is slowly and painfully destroying his brain and internal organs.

The blunt presentation of this is, climb inside an oven which has been set for 450 degrees. Sit there for about 10-15 minutes and you’ll have an idea of just how your pet will feel when left inside a car on a hot summer’s day.

Don’t be fooled by overcast or gloomy days. While there is less direct sunlight, the internal temperature of a car is still a danger to pets. Incidentally, veterinarians also see their share of heat related illnesses during the spring. The weather is cooler but the sun is out and pets are more apt to be allowed to over-exert themselves, subsequently over-heating.

Your pet is best left at home if you are out running errands. If you are travelling with your pet and realize you must make a short stop, consider going home first and then back out for your errands. If you can’t bring your pet home, park in a shaded area, leave windows open that will allow ventilation yet prevent your pet from jumping out, and make that stop quicker than quick. Better still, find the nearest open veterinary clinic and ask if you may leave your pet there for a few minutes. Not only will most clinics agree to this, they will applaud you for assuring your pet’s safety and not running in 2 hours later with your pet in critical distress. Most pet stores allow pets inside and they may be willing to lend a hand if you need short-term supervision for your pet while you attend to an errand.

If you see a pet locked in a car without adequate ventilation or it appears the pet has been there longer than 5-10 minutes call Animal Services or 911. If you see a pet roaming outdoors that is at risk (we all have those neighbours who leave cats outside all day to fend for themselves regardless of the weather), provide the pet with a cool or shaded location and some water or call the local Animal Services for help. Perhaps leave a pleasant “scolding” note for your irresponsible and neglectful neighbour!

You’ve been responsible and conscientious for making sure your best friend doesn’t become overheated yet you suspect your pal may be a tad too warm. How to know, and what to do about it.

The sure signs heatstroke is occurring are excess panting and salivation, a dark pink, or purple tongue or the gums may be dry and tacky indicating dehydration. These are the first stages and when you have the most opportunity to change the course of events.

Bring your pet to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately and begin first aid.

Run mildly cool or lukewarm water over your pet; pay attention to armpits, groin and head area where heat tends to collect. Make sure the water moves through the hair and reaches the skin so cooling can take effect. You can also put wet towels on your pet. This is often a better method for cooling down small dogs and cats as long as you don’t completely cover your pet otherwise it slows the cooling process. The skin needs to breathe and ventilate in order for cooling to begin.

Do not use very cool or cold water. Cold water constricts the blood vessels and actually raises the body’s core temperature which will cause a life-threatening crisis.

Run water around your pet’s mouth or if available, offer ice chips but never force an over-heated pet to drink. To do so may cause choking. A pet that can drink will drink. A pet that can’t or won’t drink needs immediate veterinary care.
All pet parents should know how to take their pet’s temperature using a well lubricated (KY or other water soluble NOT Vaseline!) digital NOT mercury rectal thermometer. The normal internal temperature for dogs and cats is between the low-normal reading of 38C to the high-normal reading of 39.2C.

A pet with a temperature above 39.2C requires urgent veterinary care. Alternately any pet with a temperature below 38C is also in need of immediate veterinary care.

It is essential to be aware that a condition called D.I.C. (disseminated intravascular coagulation) can develop during or after a heat-related illness and subsequent cooling.

D.I.C. (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is the abnormal response of the blood’s clotting factors and occurs for any number of reasons. In heatstroke patients, the drastic change in core temperature triggers a hyper-response of the blood’s clotting factors and the blood begins to coagulate throughout the body which quickly results in death.

D.I.C. is very difficult to stop once it’s begun. Prognosis for recovery is low and the mortality rate is extremely high. Even if a pet does recover, there is a high-risk for developing other complications that are often fatal.

D.I. C. is known as a silent killer. It’s a by-product of an underlying and undetected condition, or occurs after a severe injury. In the veterinary profession it was once formerly referred to as “dead in cage. A pet would appear to be recovering from an illness or injury, but would suddenly and unknowingly develop D.I.C. and quickly succumb.

Research and advances in veterinary medicine have made it possible to detect a pet’s propensity to develop D.I.C. by blood tests. Yet another reason why annual check-ups and blood tests are so essential to your pet’s continued well-being!

Any pet found to be at risk, when ill or injured, is then supported by drugs and preventive therapies and closely monitored. Although dogs are more at risk for D.I.C. because of heatstroke, it’s not exclusive to them. Cats too are at risk for D.I.C. as are all mammals and humans.

While moderate to severe over-heating necessitates immediate veterinary treatment, even mild cases can result in D.I.C. If ever your pet is over-heated, it’s best to take him to a veterinarian right away. Not only to safely help him cool down, but also to test his blood so he does not become a victim of “the silent killer”.

Many people travel with their pets to cottages and campgrounds. Yet when an emergency strikes, they are at a loss for where to take their pet for care. Always know where the nearest veterinary clinic (or animal emergency clinic) is located.

If you have a dog with a long, double coat, think twice before shaving that coat short. The under layer acts as insulation (warm in winter, cooler in summer – the outer hair captures the sun and heat) and the long thick coat protects your dog’s skin from the sun. Keeping long-haired and double-coated dogs natural in summer’s heat is somewhat debated between pet care professionals. However, I can’t tell you how many times a sweet Golden Retriever or other long-haired, double-coated breed has come into the clinic with his “hair barely there” cut and badly sunburned skin. If you feel your dog is uncomfortable it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before grabbing the shears.

Don’t forget about paw pads and noses! Noses get burned and yes, your dog can get skin cancer from sun exposure. Paw pads are in direct contact with hot asphalt and concrete, even sand can be too hot for those sensitive paw pads. Use a sunscreen made for children which is zinc and PABA free, and has a SPF higher than 15. Use an ointment or balm for paw pads; there are many on the market and some come in very convenient roll up tubes. Just make sure it doesn’t contain tea tree oil if you also have a cat at home. Tea tree oil is toxic to cats.

Summer booties are a fantastic way of protecting your dog’s paws. These are made of light-weight, breathable material that will not only prevent his paws from becoming hot, sore or cracked, but other dangers such as glass embedded in grass or sand or a wasp waiting for it’s victim are less likely to hurt him.

Many dogs will do what I call the “Lippizzaner stallion” dance and give you the “please take them off” look when his feet are thrust into booties for the first time. Don’t give in. Most dogs adapt quickly and are grateful you took the time to consider his feet!

Practicing a few precautions will help you and your beloved companion safely enjoy the outdoors and have a fabulous summer season!

**Disclaimer: this article is general information only. If you are concerned about your pet’s safety or well-being, consult with your veterinarian for advice and treatment.