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Heat takes toll on furry friends

Animals can’t help themselves in extreme weather.

Nora Vondrell, executive director of the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA), said dogs especially respond to heat in much the same way as humans. They need plenty of water and cool shade or air conditioning.

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By Katie Wedell, Staff Writer Updated 12:30 PM Sunday, July 24, 2011

Humans aren’t the only ones who struggle to stay cool during a heat wave. Local animal shelters and hospitals say the number of calls they get for animals in distress has increased along with the temperature.

“We get more people reporting dogs tied up outside without access to water and shade,” said Brian Weltge, executive director of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

He also said the organization was recently called by Miami Twp. police when someone found several cats left inside a locked vehicle. The temperature inside the car was 148 degrees.

The cats survived, but the incident underscores how susceptible animals are to heat-related problems.

“Animals can’t help themselves,” Weltge said.

If overheated or suffering from heat exhaustion, dogs will exhibit symptoms such as not eating, becoming lethargic, vomiting and diarrhea. Miami Valley Animal Hospital veterinarian Alex Watts said other signs of distress are glassy eyes, frantic panting and foaming around the mouth.

A dog with those symptoms should be taken to the vet immediately so they can be re-hydrated with a fluid IV.

Watts said short-faced dog breeds seem to be very prone to heat stress. Elderly or obese dogs also are at more of a risk.

Vondrell said there are several things pet owners can do to keep their animals safe during a heat wave.

“Just like for humans, smaller meals six times a day are better for dogs than large meals when it’s hot,” she said. “And limit car rides, period.”

Leaving a dog in an enclosed car is just as dangerous as leaving a child locked in a hot car. “They will die in a matter of minutes,” Vondrell said. Watts said the temperature in a car parked in the sun can go up 40 degrees in 10 minutes. Anyone who sees a dog locked in a car with the windows up should call police immediately.

Vondrell also recommends walking pets during cooler times of day like the morning and evening and keeping them in the shade when out in the yard.

Keeping a pet well groomed is recommended, but Vondrell said dog owners should avoid shaving their pet themselves. If they make hair too short, the animal can get sunburned.

If a dog is exhibiting symptoms of being too hot, water the dog with a hose or place cool wet towels on their neck and abdomen and bring inside to the air conditioning.

Watts recommends pointing a fan on the dog and taking its temperature to monitor cooling.

He warns not to use cold or ice water because cooling a dog too quickly can be equally dangerous.

“Don’t force water into their mouth,” he said. And even if the animal’s temperature has returned to normal, don’t leave them unattended for about eight to 10 hours to make sure they are recovering properly, he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2124 or kwedell@coxohio.com.

Pet safety tips

Take these precautions to keep your pet from overheating. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate help from your veterinarian.

Keep pets hydrated. They can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
Do not overexercise them.
Keep them indoors in extreme heat. If outside, make sure they are in shade.
Know warning signs of overheating: Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, unresponsive or collapsing.
Animals with flat faces, including pugs and Persian cats, have increased risk.
Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle or unsupervised near a pool.
Don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt.

Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org

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