Dog days of summer – Defend your pets against high temps and humidity

The dog days of summer bring in high temperatures and humidity that can have a deadly affect and harm to pets. With their fur-coated bodies, pets have more insulation and less control over their environments including access to air-conditioning, shade and sometimes water.

Wildlife and even feral dogs and cats have developed adaptive behaviors to deal with the heat. However, they are free to follow their instincts, roam and seek water and shade.

Since pets are dependent on their owners to provide those essentials, the consequences of exposure to extreme temperatures can be life threatening.

Dogs and cats are equally susceptible to heatstroke. However, outdoor dogs are more likely to suffer its effects.

Many owners place their canines in backyards or on tie-outs over concrete driveways or runs. Sometimes, owners fail to take into account that sun’s intensity varies throughout the day in a particular location. An area that receives shade in the morning can be broiling in the afternoon. Confined or tethered dogs have little opportunity to seek shade and respite from the heat.

A healthy dog’s body temperature ranges between 101 to 102 degrees. Dogs are unable to sweat. They regulate their body temperature by panting to expel heat. If the heat is released too slowly, the body temperature rises. An increase of only three degrees decreases the body’s ability to keep up with the demand for oxygen. At 108 degrees, the internal organs such as the brain can start breaking down at a cellular level.

Because of their size and stealth, outdoor cats generally have an easier time finding shade under houses, cars or other spaces until the high temps subside. Their normal body temperature hovers around 100 to 102; the potential for heatstroke and organ damage begin at 104 degrees.

Each summer, the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital treats pets suffering from severe heatstroke. Pets can’t verbally communicate distress, so owners need to learn the warnings signs and remain vigilant. The good news is if owners recognize the early warning signs of illness and take a few minor precautions, everyone can have a safe summer.

If medical care is needed after-hours, you can rush your pet to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital on Skip Bertman Drive. The hospital is open 24-7, 365 days a year.

Preventing the Problem
Fortunately, heatstroke in pets is completely and easily preventable with the application of a little common sense.

For example, even if you enjoy a jog or bike ride in the heat, recognize mid-day exercise could have disastrous consequences for your fur-coated friend.

Pets should never be left in a parked car—even with the windows down, in the shade for even a few minutes. On a mild 73-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes. On a 90-degree day, the interior of a vehicle can reach 160 degrees in minutes.

The best advice is to simply keep your pets indoors during the heat of the day. All animals benefit from air-conditioning. In fact, staying cool adds to the health and survival of old or sick pets as well as brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats and others animals with compressed noses that cause year-round breathing problems).

If keeping your critter indoors proves impossible, make sure your outdoor pets have plenty of:
• Shade during the day as the sun rotates.
• Water—or ice—in a tip-proof bowl, which cannot be emptied accidentally and allow the animal to become dehydrated during the day.
• Shelter from Louisiana’s violent pop-up summer storms.
• Waterworks, like a shallow wading pool or accessible fountain to slosh in or some other way to cool down as temperatures rise.

In both cats and dogs, the early signs of heatstroke include:
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Gums that change from their healthy, light pink color to dull, grayish-pink or red
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

These symptoms can be followed in minutes or days by:
• Collapse
• Seizure
• Coma
• Clotting disorders
• Death

If your pet exhibits any of these signs:
• Move the animal to a shaded area
• Soak the coat in cool water
• Get to a veterinarian immediately

Even after the crisis has passed, veterinarians typically monitor the animals closely for a few days to make sure there’s no additional damage to organ systems.

Brettson is a one-and-a-half-year-old Italian greyhound/terrier mix, who weighs 10 pounds. He is a beautiful dark chocolate with a fun, loving personality.

Margie is a small adult beagle. There is a lot of personality packed into this little girl. Spunky and sweet, Margie’s fun demeanor will certainly bring a smile as big as her own to her family.

Scout is a retriever mix puppy. The cute, playful guy is guaranteed to grow into a fairly large dog, so he will need a family who is willing invest some time into training and making his a wonderful canine companion.

Meadow is a two-year-old poodle mix weighing in at 11 pounds. As you can see from the picture, this sweet girl makes friends easily; she also does well with children.

Buddy is an adult rat terrier who was found on the street several years ago. The finder took care of Buddy and loved him for the next five years. But, when she had a baby, Buddy became jealous, so he’s best suited to a home without small children. Nonetheless, he does fine with other dogs and is housebroken.

Sable is a senior female boxer.

These great dogs have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and heartworm tested. Many other puppies and dogs are available at Yelp!BR or by clicking here.