Anyone who has lived in Northwest Indiana for an extended period of time is no stranger to this area's unpredictable weather shifts and extreme temperatures. Although we have only just now reached the heart of it, this summer has already proven to be extremely hot. It is important for those participating in outdoor activities to stay hydrated and employ good heat safety practices. People who bring their pets along on their outdoor excursions must remember to keep their furry friends safe from the heat, too.
Dr. Anna Sacco, a veterinarian at McAfee Animal Hospital, specializes in surgery, nutrition, and internal medicine. She has some great tips that pet owners can use to keep their pets happy and healthy during these hot summer months. She believes that owners can keep their pets safe in the heat by providing them with fresh water that is cool, rather than ice cold, and ensuring that they have plenty of shade. She encourages the use of indoor fans to keep the air moving as well.
“There are several factors that can make some dogs more susceptible to heatstroke,” Sacco said. “Obesity, cardiac disease, asthma, and tracheal collapse put pets at risk for heat stroke. Lung diseases such as laryngeal paralysis can also make a pet heatstroke-prone. Age is a factor as well. Very young and very old dogs are more sensitive to hot temperatures than young adults or adult dogs. Brachycephalic breeds, that is, dogs with naturally broad and short heads, like French bulldogs, English bulldogs, pugs, shih tzu’s, and boxers also have a higher risk of contracting heatstroke.”
As the saying goes, knowing is half the battle. It is best to prepare as much beforehand prior to taking your pet out for some exercise on a hot day. Sacco offers some suggestions for how pet owners should manage outdoor exercise on very hot days.
“We recommend not only checking the heat index on hot days, but factoring in humidity as well,” Sacco said. “When there is a heat advisory for humans, that can also apply for your pets as well. On extremely hot days, we recommend avoiding rigorous exercise and to opt for shorter walks early in the day or later at night when the temperatures are lower.”
Sacco says that there are several signs that can indicate if a pet is experiencing a heatstroke episode. These include a body temperature of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse. Heavy panting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and refusing to get up or walk are some other indicators of heatstroke.
In the event of a heatstroke episode, Sacco urges pet owners to take action as soon as possible.
“If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, this is a medical emergency,” Sacco said. “In this instance, your pet should be taken to a veterinarian for care immediately. You can help cool your pet on the way to the clinic by wetting their paw pads and bodies with cool water. You should avoid using ice and ice water, however. You can also put them in the air conditioned car with fans on them and give them access to water.”
Owners who bring their pets to McAfee Animal Hospital for heatstroke are able to let their pet stay in the car with the air conditioner running as they wait to be called in for their appointment. McAfee Animal Hospital staff are also able to provide pets with fresh water in the exam rooms to keep them refreshed.
Sacco’s helpful tips will certainly help pet owners keep their pets cool and safe this summer. In the event of an emergency, McAfee Animal Hospital is more than prepared to stabilize stricken pets and have them happy and healthy again in no time.
Please visit mcafeeah.com for more information on the services that McAfee Animal Hospital offers.