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Play It Cool: Soaring Summer Temperatures Threaten Pet Safety

With temperatures on the rise, the summer heat has many people heading out of the sun and indoors to the comfort of air-conditioning.

Although scorching rays may provide for a great tan, fun days at the beach and perfect picnic weather, a common hot weather danger not only has humans huffing and puffing, but dogs as well. While heat exhaustion in humans can be easier to control, our four-legged friends suffer more drastic effects that can ultimately be deadly.

With a combination of fur coats and an already higher body temperature than humans (99.5-102.5 degrees F), dogs are at greater risk for suffering the side effects of heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion commonly occurs when dogs' body temperatures reach between 108 and 110 degrees F. Other causes include running or exercising during peak heat hours, being in direct sunlight or even when in shade if they are lying on hot concrete.

Although panting is typical for dogs in the summer, owners should be aware if their dogs are excessively panting or exhibit shortness of breath. In this case, activity should be ceased immediately. "Dogs don't sweat and therefore don't have an efficient way to cool themselves down," said Todd Tams, DVM, DACVIM, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for VCA Animal Hospitals. "If they are panting, it may be because they need the oxygen due to exercise or other activity, or they are trying to expel built up heat in their bodies.

There are many variables, depending on the physical condition of the dog, its age, coat length and breed. During the latest heat wave, our hospitals across the country have seen an increase of heat exhaustion cases and we strongly encourage owners to be aware of their pets' body temperature at all times and take steps to ensure their safety and well-being," he added. Because animals are more susceptible to the critical results of heat exhaustion than humans, the condition can intensify at a quicker rate and lead to death if unnoticed. Typically, heat exhaustion in dogs begins with excessive panting or erratic breathing, which progresses with a collapse of the body, a state of unconsciousness and then brain damage.

A common and fatal mistake owners make is leaving pets in vehicles, even if windows are left cracked or down. Heat in a car can rise to 120 degrees F in less than ten minutes and up to 130 degrees F over a thirty-minute time span. "It is not possible to crack the windows enough to cool down the dog without letting it out of the car," said Tams. "If a dog begins to pant heavily, it consequently saturates the air with water vapor making the car even warmer and more difficult to cool down. It only takes a few minutes before it becomes a matter of life and death," he added.

Pet owners suspecting heat exhaustion should immediately remove the dog from the heat or end physical activity immediately. In order to effectively bring down a pet's body temperature, owners should provide the dog with water, submerge it in a cool bath, spray it down with a hose, place a cold cloth on its head or position it in front of a fan. A common home remedy is to rub down the paws with alcohol, thus allowing the heat to exit the body at a faster rate.

However, owners should not place a large wet towel over the entire body of the dog because it prolongs the process of expelling heat. It is imperative to cool the overheated dog down immediately and then take it to the nearest veterinary hospital for treatment.

Owners can also protect pets by walking them in the morning or evenings when temperatures are cooler, staying on grass instead of concrete and avoiding taking them to the beach or other warm, exposed environments for extended periods of time. Although humans continue to enjoy the leisure activities of summer, it is important to realize that pets are much more vulnerable to heat.

The best way to protect pets from the critical risks of heat exhaustion is prevention. By taking the necessary steps to ensure pets have adequate, comfortable conditions and plenty of water on hand at all times, this potentially deadly summertime condition can be avoided altogether. VCA Antech, Inc. (Nasdaq:WOOF), operates the largest network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals across the country and employs more than 1,400 qualified veterinarians at more than 375 animal hospitals in 37 states. VCA Animal Hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals, as well as specialized treatments including oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology and neurology. Dedicated to the provision of compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care, VCA also provides advanced diagnostic services.

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