Preventing Heatstroke in Pets This Summer

Summer months can be tough on our pets. High temperatures and thick humidity make it challenging for pets to stay cool, and power outages can add to the risk. Here are essential tips to prevent heatstroke in your pets and ensure they stay safe and comfortable during the hot season. 

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Never Leave Your Pets in a Parked Car

This one is obvious and what everyone already knows. Yeah, not even for a minute, with the car running and the air conditioner on. We know that Tesla cars have the "dog mode," but you don't want to run the risk of it malfunctioning. And there are multiple cases of it happening. On warm days, the temperature inside a vehicle can quickly reach dangerous levels. For example, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with open windows can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes and 120 degrees within 30 minutes. This can cause irreversible organ damage or even death.

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Monitor Humidity Levels

High humidity amplifies the negative impact of high temperature on your pet. When animals pant, moisture from their lungs evaporates, helping to reduce their body heat. However, high humidity hinders this process, and their body temperature can rapidly rise to dangerous, or even lethal, levels.

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Limit Exercise on Hot Days

Adjust the intensity and duration of your pet's exercise according to the temperature. On very hot days, exercise your pet in the early morning or evening. Be particularly careful with pets that have white-colored ears, which are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, which often have difficulty breathing. Asphalt can become extremely hot and burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water to prevent your dog from dehydrating.

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Provide Ample Shade and Water

Ensure your pet has protection from the heat and sun whenever they are outside, and provide plenty of fresh, cold water. During heat waves, add ice to the water if possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don't obstruct airflow. A doghouse does not provide relief from the heat; in fact, it can make it worse.

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Use Cooling Products

Keep your pet from overheating with a cooling body wrap, vest, or mat. Soak these products in cool water, and they'll stay cool (but usually dry) for up to three days. If your dog doesn’t find baths stressful, see if they enjoy a cooling soak.

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Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Extreme temperatures can lead to heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. To quickly determine if there is a serious problem, take your dog's temperature. It should not exceed 104 degrees.

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How to Treat a Pet Suffering from Heatstroke

Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck, and chest, or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian. Pets are at particular risk for heatstroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease. Breeds with short muzzles, like boxers, pugs, and Shih Tzus, have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.

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Conclusion

In summary, the safety and well-being of your pets during the summer months are paramount. By following these tips, you can help prevent heatstroke and ensure your pets stay healthy and comfortable. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in protecting your furry friends from the dangers of extreme heat.

src: Humane Society of the U.S.