June 29, 2010
Hot Weather Tips for Pets
 With the recent, and predictions of ongoing, extreme heat it is important to remember your pets and how the heat will affect them.
Warning Signs:
Symptoms of overheating in pets can include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, stupor or even collapse.
Also look out for seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Animals with flat faces (pugs, bulldogs are common examples) are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Heat stroke happens when heat gain exceeds the body's ability to dissipate heat. High temperatures cause chemical reactions that break down body cells, which leads to dehydration and blood thickening. This puts extreme strain on the heart and causes blood clotting and subsequent death to tissue. Liver, brain and intestinal cells are usually the first to be affected and this can occur quickly. Normal body temperature for a dog is about 101 F to 102 F. If his temperature reaches 106 F, he is in danger of brain damage, vital organ failure and death. Reducing body temperature quickly is imperative. A dog who recovers can still have organ damage, neurological problems and lifelong health problems.
Just 15 minutes can be enough for an animal's body temperature to climb from normal to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated, and at risk of permanent impairment or even death.
Dogs:
Dogs’ walks should be adjusted to reflect the weather conditions. If your dog is used to a longer walk during the day best to do that early in the morning or late at night.
Always bring a supply of water and a portable drinking bowl for your dog when out on the walk. You should stop frequently to offer water to your dog.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors ensure that there is shade for him or her to rest in and a supply of fresh water. However, it is best to keep your dog inside in an air conditioned home (if you have one). Provide plenty of shade and a well-constructed doghouse for animals staying outside. Bring your dog inside during the hottest part of the day, and make sure he has plenty of cool water.
Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun.
Animals are not able to sweat like humans do. Dogs cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paws. If they have only overheated air to breathe, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage, and possibly die of heatstroke.
Cats:
The THS recommends that cats remain indoors at all times as there are many hazards such as cars, wild animals and countless other perils that could cause injury to your cat.
Your cats may like to lie in the sun but it’s important not to keep them in a room without ventilation. Cats should always have access to a source of fresh water; best to check it 2 – 3 times a day to make sure the bowl is full.
Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. As far as skin care, be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. Cats will pant if overheated and they sweat through their pawpads, as well.
Never leave your animal in a parked vehicle! Even if you leave the windows open the vehicle will quickly become extremely hot in very little time. Leaving a dog or cat in a hot car can quickly cause overheating which can be deadly or result in permanent irreversible internal injury to your pet.
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Since the THS reopened on June 28th we have adopted 49 animals into loving forever homes. 
