Here in the Pacific Northwest, many of us wait in excited anticipation for spring and summer to roll in, but National Heat Awareness Day is right around the corner on May 23. As the sun begins making more frequent appearances in our usually gray skies, we should be aware of the potential dangers warming temperatures can pose for our pets.
Did you know, with an outside temperature of 80 degrees a parked car can reach unsafe temperatures (higher than 94.3 degrees) in less than 10 minutes? Every year countless pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia is triggered when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle, and it can even occur on a mild weather day. Many people believe leaving the windows slightly rolled down can prevent this, but this does not actually reduce the rate of heating in any significant way.
On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. This can cause your pet to experience irreversible organ damage or die. The Humane Society urges pet owners to never leave pets in a parked car.
It’s important to know that humidity can also be a danger to your pet. Animals pant to cool themselves by evaporating moisture from their lungs, but if the humidity is too high they are unable to effectively do this, which can result in their temperature quickly reaching dangerous levels. Dogs’ body temperatures should not be allowed to get higher than 104 degrees.
Tips for preventing heatstroke:
- Limit your pet’s exercise on hot days. Adjust the exercise intensity and duration according to the temperature. In hot weather, exercise in the early morning, or evening hours, when temperatures are lower.
- Keep in mind that asphalt can get very hot and even burn your pet’s paws. Try to walk in grass whenever possible to avoid this. Always carry water to keep your dog hydrated.
- Remember that your pet cools its body in a different way than humans do. A fan will not be as successful in cooling off pets as it is for people.
- When your pet is outside, be sure there is protection from the heat and sun and plenty of water available. Add ice to water during heatwaves. Check that the shade offered also provides for proper air flow. A doghouse, for example, can actually make the effects of high temperatures worse by obstructing the air flow.
- You can also use cooling body wraps, vests, or mats to keep your pet from overheating. These items can be soaked in water and they’ll stay cool for a few days. A cooling bath soak can work to cool off your pet too.
Keep in mind that animals who are very old, very young, overweight or have heart and respiratory disease are at higher risk for heatstroke. Even certain breeds with shorter muzzles will find it more difficult to breathe in high temperatures. The Humane Society suggests the following:
Watch for signs of heatstroke:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Profuse salivation
- Vomiting
- Deep red or purple tongue
- Seizure
- Unconsciousness
How to treat a pet suffering from heatstroke:
- Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
- Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over her.
- Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- Take her directly to a veterinarian.
Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.
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