Hot Temperatures Threaten Pet Health and Safety

During the summer, it is common for people to take their pooches to dog parks or out for walks. However, people need to be aware that even dogs are capable of getting heat exhaustion, just like we are. In fact, any pet can suffer from the summer heat.

One mistake many pet owners make is leaving their pets in a hot car. Even with the windows cracked, dogs and other pets can overwhelmed by the heat and make them extremely sick. Not only is this not responsible ownership, but is also considered animal cruelty in many states. You wouldn’t leave your kids or yourself in a hot car, why would you leave your pets?

Although people may not have bad intentions when leaving their dogs in the car, they don’t realize that even mild 80 degree days can heat cars rather quickly. Even with the windows open slightly, car temperatures can climb to about 120 degrees in 20 minutes. Dogs whose body temperatures rise to around 107 degree within a short time, such as 20 minutes, can suffer from heatstroke, suffocation, brain damage, or even die from the heat.

Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion in other ways too.

“I took my dog Markie to a dog park to play frisbee. It was rather warm out, around 90 degrees. He was running and jumping and chasing the frisbee. All of a sudden Markie started panting hard and not like he has panted before. He started vomiting and had white-ish colored gums. I tried giving him water to drink, but he wouldn’t take it. I immediately had to rush him Animal 911 where they had to put fluids into his system through an IV,” said dog owner and Chicago resident Carol Shroder. “The moral of the story is that you have to watch your dog’s limits, especially in the heat. Most of the time, dogs don’t know when they need breaks, so you have to make the judgment yourself,” she said.

Here are some tips if your pet is exposed to high and uncomfortable temperatures:

-Keep your pet in the shade when outside. Apply cool water to their body to keep them comfortable.

-Don’t force your dog to drink. Instead allow them to drink small amounts of cool water. Icecubes can make good treats too.

-If you suspect your dog is in danger, immediately take it to an animal hospital or vet.

-If you see an animal in a car without the windows fully down, call your local police department.

-When it’s too hot out, there is nothing wrong about keeping your dog inside for the day. Dogs prefer the comfort of the home and airconditioning.