What dangers can extremely hot weather have on pets?

Hot weather can be very dangerous for our pets. There’s no single temperature that becomes dangerous. It’s going to depend on individual animal factors and other environmental factors as well, such as high humidity.

If You’re Hot, Your Pets Are Hot

If you’re outside and you’re starting to feel uncomfortable, your pets may be uncomfortable as well. Even if you are outside in warm weather and it feels comfortable, you should always be aware that pets may have to walk on hot surfaces.

Check the Pavement

Pavement can be a source of burns to our pet’s feet. So before you take your pet out on a walk on a hot day, make sure you take the back of your hand and feel the pavement and make sure it’s comfortable for you to have your hand there for a few seconds.

Never Leave a Pet in the Car

It’s also important never to leave your pets unattended in hot weather, especially in a car. When inside of a vehicle, the temperature can quickly rise above the normal air temperature and that heat will intensify and signs of heat stroke can rapidly develop in your pets.

What is heat stroke and what are its symptoms?

Heat stroke is when the body temperature of an animal rises above normal temperature for an extended period of time. It will be there for long enough to cause organ dysfunction and organ damage.

Initial signs of heat stroke may include:

  • panting
  • labored breathing
  • anxiety

As it progresses, you may see signs of stumbling, confusion, seizures, or even coma.

If you suspect that your pet has become overheated, please immediately seek care from a veterinarian. Do not try to rapidly cool your pet with ice or by giving them any additional medications. Seek out a veterinarian immediately and remove them from the hot environment.

Are certain cats and dogs more vulnerable to heat?

Absolutely. Individual animal factors play a huge role in susceptibility to high temperatures and heat stress. Dogs that are not acclimated to outside temperatures or hotter weather are more likely to develop clinical signs of heat stroke as well as pets that are overweight or have a larger body condition.

Protect Our Flat-Faced Friends

There are certain breeds that are especially more prone. The flat faced dogs and cats such as French bulldogs, English Bulldogs, or Persian cats are going to be more susceptible to heatstroke, and this is because dogs largely cool themselves by panting. These animals have a flatter face and smaller airway, which makes it difficult to cool themselves in hot weather.

Similarly, other pets with respiratory disorders and upper airway disease may be more prone to overheating.

Are there any tips and tricks to keeping my pet cool this summer?

For sure. Scheduling walks and playtime to being either early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are coolest is ideal.

When you have really active dogs who want to run and play outside, trying to force them to take frequent breaks and keeping a close eye on their breathing and activity level can go a long way to preventing heat stroke.

Pool Party

Additionally, you can try doing some fun things like having a kiddie pool out, a sprinkler, or having supervised time in small ponds.

Flat faced dogs should never be left alone outside unattended, and any dog that spends significant periods of time outside should always have access to clean fresh water. We hope that your pets enjoy their summer.