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Pets and heat stressJust as humans can be adversely affected by extremely warm temperatures, pet owners need to take precautions for their furry friends as well, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service veterinarian. "During the summer months, heat exhaustion is one of the most common ailments of pets. Dogs and cats don't sweat in the way that humans do, so they don't have an efficient way to keep themselves cool," MacAllister said. "To help keep your pets cool, just keep in mind the things you do for yourself to cool off." Pets that live outside should have access to plenty of shade. In addition, these animals need a continuous supply of cool water in containers that cannot be tipped over. One way to keep a pet's water cool longer is to add ice cubes to it. It is essential that your pets have adequate shade, especially during the afternoon hours, which tend to be the hottest part of the day. Pet owners need to be especially aware of shade availability in the yard if they keep their pets on a tether. Although it may not happen often, animals that are tied in the yard can suffer heat stress if they become tangled in the tether and are unable to reach shade or water. "Oklahoma is known for its hot and humid weather, so in extreme cases of heat and humidity, it's best if the pet can be kept indoors in the air conditioning or at least with a fan," she said. "Don't keep your pets in an enclosed area such as a garage unless it has a fan or another type of air circulation system." For a change of scenery, some pet owners take their animals for a ride in the car. Make sure the pet is restrained while the car is moving. And just as parents should not leave their children in a parked car, MacAllister said pets should never be left in a vehicle either. "The temperature inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees or higher in the heat of the summer, even with the windows open. If you're running errands and you're unable to take the dog inside with you, it's best to leave the animal at home," she said. Some pet owners enjoy exercising with their pets, but over exertion can overheat pets quickly, especially in humid weather. "When dogs get hot they pant to cool themselves. Unlike humans, dogs don't sweat when they're hot," MacAllister said. "Panting involves the flow of air through the nasal passages and mouth. This flow of air maximizes evaporation and heat loss as the air is exposed to the large evaporative surface area of the nasal turbinates inside the dog's nose." Keep an eye out for rapid panting as this may be a sign of heat stress. Dog owners who wish to exercise with their pets are encouraged to do so early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid over exertion. The signs of heat stress pet owners should be aware of include bright red gums, elevated heartbeat and body temperature and rapid panting. As this condition progresses, the animal may stare with anxious expression, ignore verbal commands and skin may feel warm and dry. Emergency treatment for this condition includes sponging the animal's neck and groin area with cool water until temperature is lowered or returns to normal. Contact your veterinarian immediately because the pet may require further treatment to prevent serious complications that can accompany heat stress. Be especially careful with very young and older pets, as well as obese pets and those with health problems, as they are less able to thermo regulate themselves. In addition, short-nosed dogs such as pugs and boxers have smaller nasal passages, so they are especially vulnerable to the heat. Some pet owners believe clipping a dog's fur will help pets stay cool during the summer months. However, MacAllister said the fur protects the skin and if the fur is clipped too short, the skin can burn, just as human skin does. "I don't recommend across-the-board clipping of dogs, but those animals that have a heavy thick coat may need to have their fur trimmed. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of clip would be beneficial," she said. "An animal's coat protects their skin and can actually trap cooler air next to their body and help keep them cool." 9/8/08 Date: 8/29/08
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