Summer Heat

In these unbearably hot days we have been having it is important to remember Fido and Frisky aren't going to like the heat anymore than you will.  Brachycephalic breeds (pets with short noses), breeds with thick fur coats, the very young and the elderly, and pet;s with heart or respiratory problems are even more susceptible to the dangers of heat stroke, though any animal can succumb. Here are some tips to help keep your furry family member safe from the Florida heat.

Water
Even though dogs and cats don't sweat as much as people do, they still lose a lot more water through panting when the weather is hot.  Excessive water loss can lead to dehydration so make sure there is plenty of fresh, clean water available for your pet.  Normal water consumption for a dog is about 2 ounces per pound body weight in a 24 hour period.  This will increase with hot weather. 

Outdoor Cooling Tips
If at all possible keep your pet indoors where there is air conditioning.  If that is not possible then plenty of shade is essential to prevent overheating.  Freeze gallon jugs full of water overnight and put them in the shaded areas to keep them cooler (don't fill them too full because water expands as it freezes).  You can also place a fan outside and put the frozen jugs in front of the fan to cool the air even more.  If your pet has a long thick coat giving them a summer hair cut will be appreciated.  Clip the hair down to 1 inch in length.  If your pet has light or pink skin then consider leaving the hair a little longer to protect from sun burn.

I have to get on my soap box real fast so bear with me.  For all those runners out there, I know your dog loves to go running with you, but do you realize how hot the asphalt and sidewalks are?  Can you imagine having to walk on blistered feet?  Also you can stop when you get too hot, but your dog, being the loyal companion that he is, will go as long as you can.  He is also closer to the ground and will be affected more by the reflected heat from the ground. Do yourself and your dog a favor and don't run with him except for in the really early morning or late evening. 

Parked Car
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. On a 85 degree day (we can wish for temperatures that cool!), the temperature in your car with the windows open can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes.  In just 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 120 degrees. With the windows closed, the temperature can reach 160 degrees.  In 10 short minutes your pet will start feeling the effects of heat exhaustion and within 30 minutes will be suffering from heat stroke and could die, even with intensive veterinary care.

Know the Warning Signs
Signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, and weakness.  Signs of heat stroke include all previous signs in addition to stupor or even collapse, seizures, petechia, bright red gums, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.  Body temperatures above 107.5 degrees can lead to rapid organ failure and death.
As the body temperature increases, the body begins to go into shock.  This leads to a drop in blood pressure which decreases blood flow to the vital organs, especially the heart and brain.  The increased temperature also affects the normal physiology of the body which causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs (pulmonary edema), the heart to have irregular beats, the blood clotting factors and functionality to go haywire, DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation), etc.  If normal body temperature is restored permanent liver, kidney, heart, and brain damage are common complications.

What to Do?
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke take a rectal temperature.  A dog and cat's normal body temperature is up to 102.5 degrees and up to 103 degrees can occur with excitement or activity.  A temperature above 104 degrees is serious and you need to bring your pet into the vet immediately.  In the mean time it is essential that you do NOT try and cool your pet down too quickly.  A rapid drop in body temperature can cause the body to go into shock more quickly and can also cause ischemic necrosis. You can put your pet and a bathtub of lukewarm water or put wet cloths on their groin, arm pits, and abdomen.  Placing them in front of a fan in an air conditioned room is also helpful.  Encourage your pet to drink.  Sports drinks are better than water if you can.  Do NOT apply alcohol or ice to your pet's body as this will increase dehydration and drop body temperature too rapidly.