Soaring Temperatures Can Be Deadly for Pets

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 10, 2014

With weather forecasts that predict temperatures may soon soar into the triple digits, pet owners are urged to remember that heat can kill family pets.

“Pets, especially dogs, are in much more danger in the heat than humans are. This is because dogs don’t sweat and are less efficient in expelling heat from their bodies than we are,” explains Washington County Animal Services Manager Deborah Wood.

Preventing Problems

• The number one threat is leaving dogs in hot cars. “Don’t assume your dog will be okay in the car for even a few minutes,” says Wood. A car that is merely uncomfortable for a human can be deadly for a dog. “We are receiving calls to help pets that are in hot cars every day. With the predicted temperatures, these cars can quickly become death chambers,” says Wood. Washington County Animal Services and local police will respond to calls about dogs left in cars. Owners who leave pets in hot cars may face charges of criminal neglect.
  

• Some pets are particularly at risk. Pets with flat faces such as pugs, bulldogs and boxers – and Persian cats – don’t handle heat as well as pets with longer noses. A short walk on a warm day could put these animals into the danger zone. Older, overweight or ill pets also can be extremely vulnerable in the heat.

• Keep your pet in the coolest place available. Bring pets inside where temperatures are lower. “Just as you wouldn’t leave a pet outside in frigid temperatures, don’t leave your dog or cat outside in the extreme heat,” says Wood

• Don’t walk your pet in the heat. In addition to the danger of heat stroke, hot sidewalks and asphalt can burn the bottom of your pet’s paws.

“The bottom line is that, if you love your pet, leave your pet at home and keep it cool,” says Wood.

Dealing with Heat Stroke

• Symptoms of Heat Stroke: Signs of distress include excessive panting, curled tongue, salivating and discomfort. As the symptoms progress, your pet may vomit, have diarrhea, become disoriented, lose consciousness or even have seizures.

• Treating Heat Stroke: “This can be a medical emergency,” warns Dr. Allison Lamb, staff veterinarian for Washington County Animal Services. Lamb recommends limiting your pets outdoor exposure and playtime sessions, and to bring animals into a cool place.
  

Your pet should always have ample access to water at all times.

Let a fan help cool the pet.

“Don’t soak your dog to cool him or her down,” says Lamb. “With the pet’s body heat, the wet fur can actually end up heating up the pet instead of cooling him off, but applying cool, not cold, water to feet, legs, armpits will help keep them cool.”

Call your veterinarian right away if you think your pet has become overheated, even if your pet appears to be okay. “Internal organs can be affected, and your animal could have secondary effects from the exposure. It is always important to consult with your regular veterinarian about your animal’s personal medical history in regards to heat exposure,” says Lamb.

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