Dogs, cats, and rabbits are not as tolerant of heat as people are. Veterinarians urge increased caution as heat waves become more frequent.
Record-setting heat scorching parts of the U. S. has put many wild animals in danger, as evidenced by the baby birds jumping from nests, the mussels boiling inside their shells, and the bears risking their lives on public beaches to get a drink of water.
Increased temperatures and extreme weather brought on by climate change also affect the animals closest to us, even though it may not be as obvious. Different from how we do, pet cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and other small mammals, reptiles, and birds all experience and display signs of overheating. What you need to know about how your pets deal with heat and how to assist them is provided below.
According to Barbara Hodges, a veterinarian and director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medicine Association in Davis, California, pet owners “sometimes judge heat by how they feel, and that’s not what we need to do.” She cites the fact that “people always forget how hot asphalt is” as an ideal illustration because we never have to touch it. You might drive somewhere with your dog and think, “Oh, I’ll just run across the parking lot into the clinic,” not realizing how painful it would be to do so without shoes. ”.
Animals physiologically deal with heat differently than humans do. We perspire through our skin from head to toe to control our body temperature, and the sweat evaporates to cool us.
Rabbits and birds don’t sweat at all, while dogs and cats only perspire through their paws and noses. Dogs’ primary method of cooling off is panting, which allows water to evaporate across their lungs, tongues, and moist mouth surfaces. In order to stay cool, cats usually groom their fur; the saliva dries off of it.
José Arce, a veterinarian and the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, advises against shaving your furry pet in the summer to keep them cool. Contrary to popular belief, fur serves as an insulator, keeping animals cool in the summer and warm in the winter, “like roofs of houses with layers of insulation,” according to Arce. Additionally, it shields them from sunburn, which they are just as susceptible to as people are.
However, Hodges claims that this year’s extreme temperatures have put us “in new territory.” Pets can adapt to deal with typical summers, but they “don’t cope with extreme heat.” ”.
According to Arce, excessive heat “can overwhelm an animal’s thermoregulation, prevent them from expending that excess heat, and ultimately result in heatstroke, which can be fatal.”
All animals can develop heat stroke, but some are more susceptible than others, according to Arce. Short-headed dogs known as brachycephalics, such as pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers, have narrow windpipes and may find it difficult to exhale, which may make it difficult for them to maintain body temperature. According to him, pets with cardiac conditions, as well as those who are overweight, very young, or very old, can be equally vulnerable.
The environment they’re used to also matters, says Hodges. She claims that a dog who was raised in Phoenix will be much more accustomed to warm weather than a dog who visits Phoenix on vacation.
Heat stroke can happen anywhere. In all three of the places Arce has lived—Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico—heatstroke has been reported in animals. Even in temperatures of 70 degrees, leaving dogs in cars for minutes can frequently result in heatstroke, according to him.
Arce advises against ever leaving a pet in an unattended closed vehicle. The temperature inside a closed car will reach 100 degrees in about 10 minutes if the outside air is 80 degrees. (Experts advise trying to track down the owner, calling the nearest animal control, and staying with the animal until help arrives if you see a pet trapped in a hot car. To find out who can act to save an animal trapped in a hot car, research the laws in your state. ).
When temperatures are extremely high, even routine activities can result in heat stroke. Leaving a dog in the backyard for a few hours on a summer day used to be acceptable, according to Hodges, but with frequent heat waves and rising temperatures brought on by climate change, it’s important to be more cautious.
Cool your pet inside and out
Make some quick and simple DIY pupsicles for dogs. And whether your pets are inside or outside with you, always provide water.
Using a cooling body wrap, vest, or mat will prevent your pet from overheating indoors or outdoors. These items will stay cool (but typically dry) for up to three days if you soak them in cool water. See if your dog enjoys a relaxing soak in the tub if they don’t find baths stressful.
Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a racing heartbeat, breathing difficulties, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, vertigo, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness are some symptoms of heatstroke.
Animals who are very young, very old, overweight, unconditioned to prolonged exercise, or who have heart or respiratory diseases are especially susceptible to heat stroke. Breeds of dogs with short muzzles, such as boxers, pugs, shih tzus, and other canines and felines, will have a much harder time breathing in intense heat.
Some dogs may even get snappish in very hot weather and may want more space and less petting. A group of researchers in Beijing, China found that the frequency of emergency room visits for dog bites in a major hospital increased when temperatures were highest. In very hot weather, you may want to minimize interactions between your dog and strangers, including children.
Understanding the reason for your dog’s sudden lethargy or increased activity level, regardless of the weather, can help you determine whether the reason for the change in your dog’s behavior is circumstantial or medical. Make sure your dog is not displaying any other unusual signs because lethargy is a common sign of many illnesses and should be taken seriously. If he is, consult your veterinarian immediately.
When moving to a cold climate, dogs who are not accustomed to the cold may experience shock. Some puppies seek out warm areas, such as your bed, blankets, or heating vents, so you might notice your canine friend getting cozier as the weather gets colder.
Seasons usually change gradually, giving your dog time to adjust. However, moving to a completely different climate can result in abrupt changes in your dog’s mood. Depending on his breed, you might notice that he becomes more or less active. If the weather is too uncomfortable for them, some dogs may even display signs of irritation.
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Don’t cover your pet in sunscreen or bug spray that’s meant for humans.
According to Lori Bierbrier, the ASPCA’s medical director of community medicine, “do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent to your pet that is not specifically labeled for use on animals.”
Yes, its true that most mammals are susceptible to sunburn and bug bites. But that doesnt mean you should be covering your dog with the same stuff you use on yourself. Many sunscreens and insect repellents contain ingredients that are harmful if eaten.
Keep in mind that your pet is not able to comprehend what these products are or why they are used. There’s a good chance they’ll want to investigate using their sense of taste or smell if you choose to cover their skin with it.
Ingestion of sunscreen products can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy, while improper use of insect repellent containing DEET can result in neurological issues, according to Bierbrier. “.
Instead, seek out sunscreen or bug spray made especially for use on animals. Be cautious, though, as some sprays meant for dogs might be harmful to cats.
Once you’ve located the right product, read the directions and test it first on a small area of your pet’s skin. This will allow you to check for allergic reactions.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any worries about the welfare of your animals during the summer.
FAQ
How does a dog act when it’s overheated?
Frenetic panting, excessive salivation, bright red mucous membranes, and labored breathing are all telltale signs that your dog is overheating. If his temperature rises to over 106 degrees Fahrenheit and he is unable to cool himself, he may quickly experience a metabolic meltdown.
Can heat make a dog sick?
Overheated dogs may experience heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or sudden cardiac arrhythmia death. Overheating may be indicated by panting, followed by disorientation and rapid, noisy breathing. Other warning signs include convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, bright red or blue gums, and collapsing.
Can heat make dogs act weird?
Hot Weather When the temperature is high, some dogs, like some people, become irritable and reluctant to go for walks or engage in any exercise.