Summer is here, and as the temperature rises, it’s important to keep your pets safe from the heat.
Dogs do not have the ability to sweat effectively to cool themselves, so they can overheat more easily than people do. Dogs rely primarily on panting to dissipate heat; however even this is not very effective when ambient temperatures are high. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers) and dogs with medical conditions such as laryngeal paralysis are even more limited in their ability to cool themselves by panting, and are more susceptible to heatstroke.
Heatstroke can cause damage to vital organs and can even be life threatening, so prevention is key.
Signs such as excessive panting, weakness, lethargy or vomiting could indicate that your pet is becoming overheated. If any of those signs is noted, or if your dog’s rectal temperature is above 104.0 degrees (normal for dogs is 100-102.5), get your dog out of the heat immediately and seek veterinary care. If possible, gently pour cool water over your dog before transport to prevent its temperature from rising further.
Following a few safety precautions can help keep your pet safe:
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car. Even on mild or overcast days, the temperature in the car can rise to dangerous levels in a very short time.
• Avoid exercising with your dog during the warmest times of the day. Morning and evening are the best times for long walks or playing outdoors.
• When outdoors, make sure to have plenty of water available for your dog. Dogs lose a large amount of fluid by panting, so it’s important to ensure that they don’t become dehydrated.
• Ensure that there is shade available for dogs that are kept outdoors. It’s also best to avoid keeping your dog on asphalt or concrete surfaces for prolonged periods, as these surfaces retain a significant amount of heat.
• When exercising with your dog, make sure to take plenty of breaks to enjoy the shade.
With these tips in mind, you and your dog can safely enjoy the great outdoors together this summer.
Dr. Tracy Julius is a board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital (vshsd.com) with locations in Sorrento Valley and San Marcos.