As Dallas-Fort Worth sees a string of triple-digit temperatures this week, it’s not just people who are at risk from the heat.
Pets, too, can become seriously ill from exposure to hot weather — and each pet has a different level of danger when it comes to high temperatures.
“If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet,” said Lori Teller, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
An animal’s age, weight, underlying medical conditions and activity level factor into how the heat affects them differently. Pets with longer or darker fur, or those that are brachycephalic — with flat or pushed-in faces, like pugs or Persian cats — may have extra trouble managing heat.
There are signs for pet owners to keep an eye out for, including anxiousness, restlessness, excessive panting and drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal gum and tongue color or unsteadiness. If your pet experiences any of these, take them to emergency veterinary care.
Pets should never be left inside parked vehicles. Within 10 minutes, the temperature in a car can rise almost 20 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting pets at risk of heat stroke.
“Cracking the windows and parking in the shade make no difference,” Teller said. “Even if you think it will just be a quick stop, leave your pet at home or postpone the errand.”
In addition to your pet’s characteristics, the time they spend outdoors should depend on temperature, humidity and airflow. Owners should allow for breaks, shade and constant access to water for their cats and dogs.
“When possible, avoid spending time outside or taking walks in during midday,” Teller said. “Instead, enjoy the fresh air together in the early morning and evening when the weather is less severe.”
During the day, pavement can get very hot and lead to burned paws. Walking in the early morning, avoiding dark pavement, giving pets the option to walk on the grass and using dog booties can help avoid injury, she said.
Dogs can get sunburned during their time outdoors. Hairless dog breeds, dogs with white or thin coats and dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are more at risk for sunburns. Seasonal shedding or thin coats also can create a greater risk of sunburn.
Shaving your dog’s double coat is not recommended — and can actually increase the chance of overheating and sunburn — because their coats provide protection from the heat.
Too much sun exposure also can lead to skin cancer.
“Shirts, hats, and even goggles are also available to protect dogs when they’re outside in the sun,” Teller said. Sunscreens specifically made for dogs may also help.
Cats are also at risk for heat exhaustion and sunburn because of prolonged sun exposure, she said. Open-mouth breathing is a sign your cat needs emergency care.
If your pet is showing signs of heat stress, move it to a cool, shady area and give it water. Cooling too quickly can lead to more problems.
“Cooling a hyperthermic animal too quickly can cause its blood vessels to constrict, which will make it harder to cool down, so apply cool — but not cold — water or wet towels to their bodies and paws, and fan them to help encourage evaporation,” Teller said.
