In Baton Rouge, the heat index routinely eclipses 105 degrees. Pets do not have to be trapped in a vehicle to fall victim to potentially fatal heatstroke — all they have to do is walk outside.
Dogs and cats are equally susceptible to heatstroke. However, outdoor dogs are more likely to suffer its effects. Many owners contain their canines in backyards or on tie-outs over concrete driveways or runs.
Sometimes, owners fail to realize the sun’s intensity varies throughout the day. An area that receives shade in the morning can be broiling in the afternoon. Confined or tethered dogs often can’t 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 pant 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, area vets treat pets suffering from severe heatstroke. Pets can’t verbally communicate distress, so owners need to learn the warnings signs and remain vigilant. With 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 hours a day, seven days a week.
Preventing the Problem Fortunately, heatstroke in pets is completely and easily preventable with the application of a little common sense.
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.
The best advice is to simply keep your pets indoors during the heat of the day. All animals benefit from air-conditioning. Staying cool is crucial to the health and survival of old, sick or 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 pets outdoors have plenty of:
Shade during the day as the sun rotates
Water—or ice—in a tip-proof bowl
Shelter from Louisiana’s violent pop-up summer storms and ideally
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 and
Diarrhea.
These symptoms can be followed in minutes or days by:
Collapse
Seizure
Coma
Clotting disorders or, even,
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.
APAWS has plenty of hot dogs and cool cats who are ready for new homes including:
Creature Feature
Tia is a 5-year-old sweet, female Yorkie mix who was running on a busy country road. Once located, the owner really didn’t want her dog back. Tia weighs 13 pounds, gets along with all people and other dogs.
Filthy and terrified, Simone was abandoned at a local vet office. Once the vet techs cleaned her up, this adult Himalayan mix turned into the sweetest cat. Simone is healthy and ready for her forever home.
Little Johnny‘s mom relied on kind people to feed her at the Sunshine Ferry. When the river rose and the entire area was underwater, a volunteer noticed the pregnant cat nowhere to go. Luckily, his mom was trapped and placed in foster care before she delivered five kittens including this adorable little guy.
Brutus is a darling 8-week-old puppy. While no one knows the identity or breed of his father, his mother is blue heeler. No matter his lineage, with time and patience, Brutus will grow into a wonderful canine companion.
Summer is a 3-year-old pointer. Due to difficult circumstances, Summer’s owners were unable to keep her and asked APAWS to help find the perfect home for her. She has a sweet disposition and is very loving. Summer enjoys playing with stuffed toys. Still, one of her favorite pastimes is taking long after noon naps.
Dinero entered rescue before he was even born. When a woman found his pregnant mother wandering the streets, she contacted APAWS. A foster took in the pregnant mom, so she could have kittens in the comfort and safety of a home. This beautiful black-and-white adolescent is very playful, enjoys romping with other kittens and engaging with humans.
These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Animal Protection and Welfare Society.
Filthy and terrified, Simone was abandoned at a local vet office. Once the vet techs cleaned her up, this adult Himalayan mix turned into the sweetest cat. Simone is healthy and ready for her forever home.
