As temperatures continue to rise, Baby Gunn’s Animal Rescue is offering tips to keeping your pet cool during these hot days, and Animal Protection League adds insight to a pet experiencing heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
In summer 2020, more than 40 pets died after being left in an unattended vehicle.
The Animal Protection League reported one day recently at 10 a.m. temperatures had reached 90 degrees.
“A dog’s normal body temperature can range from 100-102.5 degrees,” the organization shared.
They continued to say a dog experiencing heat exhaustion reaches a temperature at about 104 degrees, and a dog experiencing heat stroke ranges from 107-109 degrees.
“If your pet experiences any heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms after being outdoors for a period of time it is VITAL to get them to your local private practice or emergency clinic ASAP,” the organization said. “We’ve definitely got a hot start to the summer, let’s be sure to keep our pets cool.”
Sheri Ashford with BGAR suggests keeping pets at home unless they are able to go inside wherever the day’s activities go.
“You should never leave your pet in the car, even if it’s parked in the shade or with the windows cracked open,” she said. “Cars can overheat to deadly temperatures really quickly, even when the weather isn’t severe. If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet.”
When walking, running, or hiking with the pet, do so during the cooler hours of the day, Ashford suggests.
When it comes to exercising – walking, running, hiking – with a pet, Ashford said overweight pets and dog breeds with short noses are at higher risks with warm weather.
“Save exercising for the cooler hours of the day,” she said. “Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.”
She also suggests taking frequent breaks, and bring enough water for both yourself and the pet.
“Avoid hot surfaces that can burn your pet’s paws, such as asphalt,” she said. “Test the surface with the back of your hand. If it’s hot to you, it’s too hot for your pet.”
A few signs of heat stress on your pet include:
- Anxiousness
- Excessive panting
- Restlessness
- Excessive drooling
- Unsteadiness
- Abnormal gum and tongue color
- Collapse
“Seek emergency veterinary care if you observe any of these signs,” she said.
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