Keeping dogs healthy in the heat

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Warm days have arrived! This week is supposed to get to the mid-80s. If you’re sweating, your pet is too.

 “We have already seen cases of heat stroke in dogs,” said Kelley Gebhardt of Happy Tails Emergency Vet Clinic. 

Some dogs can suffer heat stroke in a matter of minutes. Also, remember to modify your pet’s exercise program when it is hot and never walk or exercise them during the hottest times of the day.  Here are important facts to help avoid heat stroke in your pet:

When outside temperatures are 80-100 oF, cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 130 degrees. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside the car will be up to 100 degrees within 10 minutes and up to 120 degrees within 30 minutes. The temperature can rise more than 30 degrees per minute. 

Cracking a car window will not decrease the heating rate or the final temperature.

Pets at increased risk include brachycephalic breeds, young pets, senior pets, or pets with health problems, including excess weight and respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

Dogs with black or dark brown hair coats will get hotter more quickly and could suffer solar thermal burns on their skin from heat absorption.

Precondition pets before exercising in hot months. Animals should be allowed to acclimate for 1-2 months after moving to a hotter or more humid environment.

If heat stroke is suspected, acting fast and taking your pet to a veterinarian is critical. Survival rates are much higher if appropriate treatment is received within 90 minutes, and mortality rates climb dramatically after that window.

• Walk/exercise your pets in the early morning or early evening. Do not exercise them during the hottest times of the day.
• Even on mildly warm days, dogs can still overheat and suffer heat stroke if they are too active or exerted.

• Remember that on hot summer days, the asphalt, wooden/Trex decks, and car seats that are exposed to the sun can be VERY hot and will burn your pet’s feet. If it is too hot for your hand or foot, it is too hot for their feet! Remember these simple rules:
• During the heat of the day, keep dogs and cats off pavement, asphalt, and decks exposed to the sun.
• Check paws daily for signs of damage (red, swollen, or sloughing paws). If your pet is licking its paws, look them over carefully. The paws may have been burned while walking on a hot surface.
• Remember the 7-second rule: Press the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt for 7 seconds to verify that it will be comfortable for your dog.

• Cooling mats, bandanas, and/or cold towels during exercise/ hikes.
• Booties and pet sunscreen (for those with thin coats) can be used for extended walks during peak sun when it cannot be avoided.
• Seek out grass and shade for rest breaks.
• Frozen pet treats (stuffed Kongs, Frosty Paws) or a kiddie pool or splash mat in the yard are fun, enriching ways to stay cool.

• Make sure to have fresh water available at all times for both indoor and outdoor pets.
• Avoid communal water bowls, puddles, etc., to avoid exposure to infectious diseases.

• Remember to keep your pet’s head inside the car when your windows are rolled down.
• When dogs have their heads out the window, they are at risk for eye injury from flying debris, ear injuries, and trauma or death from sudden stops or collisions.