by Joe Neidhardt
So many of us have pets, cats, dogs, hamsters and we care about them. I wanted to share some experiences and talk about keeping our pets safe in hotter weather. Summer 2023 was the hottest on record. Not too long ago we were traveling with our two dogs, Bear; our Australian Shepherd, and Sho-shy; our Shitzu. We were stopping to get some drinks, it was not hot and it was mixed sun and clouds. We rolled down the car windows a few inches and went in to get drinks, and came back within 10-15 minutes. When arriving back at the car there was a man concerned for the safety of our pets, claiming animal abuse. The sun had come out behind the clouds and he was concerned the dogs would be threatened by the heat. I was upset that he was overreacting as we had not been gone long. I then realized he did not know how long we were gone and his concern was appropriate. It can get hot quickly with bright sun and the windows were not down far enough to guarantee good cross ventilation. Had we been gone longer the dogs could have been in danger. So this brief article on heat is dedicated to this appropriately concerned citizen and to all of you who love and value your pets.
Heat is one of the weather conditions causing the most deaths among humans, and, our pets. A heat stroke is the failure of the body's cooling methods to keep up with hot environments or to deal with excessive exercise in a warm to hot environment. Some dogs are more susceptible than others. Those with short noses like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shitzu don’t cool as well as cooling is done through the nose when air flows over the moist turbinate. The turbinates are ridges of moist watery tissue just inside the nose. Dogs with short noses have smaller turbinates than dogs with long noses. Some dogs are more active so that also puts them at risk. Dogs do sweat but from the pads on their feet and so it only helps a little bit. Panting is the main way dogs cool if heat stressed. There are conditions that also make heat more dangerous. The amount of water in the air is a factor. So, if the humidity is low dogs, stay cool much better. If the humidity gets over 80% panting will essentially not work at all because evaporation from panting is nearly stopped.
Dogs also cool by shunting blood from inner organs to their skin where the heat is released. Again if it is too hot this way of cooling loses its effects. Dogs like us humans require enough fluids, or water. Keeping your dog hydrated helps them deal with heat. Dogs also can become acclimatized to heat if it is done slowly. If they are in a cool house most of the time and the air conditioning is lost they will not do well in the heat suddenly increases for hours or days. If they are outside in heat for short periods of time and the time is gradually increased over several days they will do better. Dogs that are physically fit also do better in heat and fitness helps acclimatization. Obesity in dogs increases the risk to heat, so maintaining optimal weight also helps them be more resistant. Avoiding certain situations like having your dog in the car with the windows rolled up on any sunny days even when it is cool outside can be dangerous. It is the most common cause of heat stroke in many areas. A warm day can be a problem when the dog is exercising too much. Being tied up in an area without shade or good ventilation is a risk.
Sometimes heat is unavoidable. Heat domes are a weather condition that can form and heat can stay both night and day. Climate change is a major contributor to abnormal heat domes. If there is an electrical brown out and air conditioning fails it can get hot and stay hot for hours or days which can lead to emergencies.
How do we recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke in dogs?
The first thing is to think about it as a possibility if the risk is there: heat, moisture, excessive exercise, lack of water for some period of time. If a dog is muzzled they cannot pant as effectively. If getting hot; their breathing rate will increase, they will be panting more, gums can become dry and sticky, appear a different color or there may be bruising in the gums. They may start drooling. They can look lethargic, may vomit, have mental dullness, be uncoordinated, be disoriented or lose consciousness or have a seizure. If you can take their temperature, a temperature of over 41 degrees C. or 105.8 degrees F. is serious with death rates exceeding 50 %.
If these symptoms occur cool your dog with cool, not cold water. A wet towel often works by putting it on your dog's back and fanning so air helps cool. Keep replacing the wet towel so heat does not build up under it. You can also spray them with cool water. Then if they will drink give cool water. Do not give Aspirin. Transport to the nearest vet as soon as possible. Your vet will then examine your pet for hydration, body temperature, heart rate, and test for lung, kidney, liver, muscle damage, and blood clotting . Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle breaks down from excessive heat and can develop in the first 24 hours. Some damage such as kidney can be delayed so it is important to keep you dog under observation. Your vet will advise you when it is safe to take them home and will give instructions as to aftercare. If the heat is too great organ failure and death can not be prevented. . With good prompt care your dog can survive but it may take some time for them to fully recover.
In summary, the best treatment of heat stroke is prevention.
Provide cool areas with shade and good ventilation. Have water available at all times. Keep you dog fit and aim at ideal weight. If you are in hot climates, or hot weather acclimatize your dog to heat gradually increasing the time in the heat and pay attention to breathing, panting, and overall well being. If exercising outside provide rest periods in cool shady locations. Remember puppies are more susceptible and risk increases as your dog ages. Remember to also take care of yourself. Most of the suggestions for dogs apply equally to humans as well. Your dog will love you for the care and attention.
