Local veterinarians warn about hot weather and pets

With the temperatures rising this summer, pet owners must be wary of leaving animals to suffer in the heat. Heatstroke is a common problem with dogs, cats and other animals, and the results of leaving an animal in a car on a warm day, or not providing proper water and shade when outside, can be deadly. According to My Dog is Cool, a national campaign founded to save dogs from heatstroke, backed by several foundations such as the Animal Protection Institute, a car in 65-degree weather can reach 93 degrees in under 30 minutes and 122 degrees in slightly less than an hour, equal to the heat of an oven. Even when owners crack the windows, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has determined that leaving windows slightly open does not decrease the rising heat rate in the car, nor does parking in the shade. A car with cracked windows can rise to a temperature of 30 degrees hotter than the outside with cracked windows. Even leaving the air conditioning on can cause cars to overheat, blowing hot air into the car and killing the animal faster. Dogs and cats do not sweat the same way as humans do, and most dogs pant to cool themselves off. However, panting can make the temperature even hotter in a car, and can make the temperature rise even faster in an enclosed vehicle. According to My Dog is Cool, it only takes 15 minutes for dogs to experience brain and organ damage in a hot car.Dr. Lorrie Tritt, veterinarian at Tecumseh Veterinary Clinic, warns pet owners that even the mildest of warm days can be dangerous for your pet. “Anything over sixty-five degrees is too hot. If there is shade and water available, animals can remain outside for ten minutes up to a half hour. If you see your dog panting, its time for them to come in for sure, especially if they have a thick coat,” Tritt said.Michigan is known for summers with fluctuating weather patterns, but it is on hot days that owners must be most aware. “We see a lot of animals for heat exhaustion the first thing in the spring during those few warm days, then more once it gets really warm. We’ve already had three dogs this year,” Tritt said. Some owners believe shaving their dogs will help them to stay cool, but this is not always the case and could cause more harm than good. “I advise shaving on the bellies, yes. But some dogs have a big problem growing that hair back. I advise caution before doing that,” Tritt stated. “For huskies and longer haired dogs, I suggest exercise during the cooler parts of the day, with a kiddie pool or sprinkler available.” Changing meals or diet patterns is a small way that pet owners provide their animals with a more comfortable way to deal with the heat. “A lot of pet owners will feed their dogs during the cooler parts of the day, and use smaller meals more often,” Tritt said.When dehydration and heat exhaustion strikes, Tritt advises that there are some things pet parents can do, but that the most beneficial tactic is to take the animal to the vet. “At home, owners can offer cool water and get dogs in front of the fan,” Tritt stated. “Most will need to come see the vet to be treated with IV fluid therapy and medicine for shock. Be careful and use common sense. Never lock your pet in the car, even for a short period of time.”Dr. Jamie Major, veterinarian at Companion Animal Clinic, advises people who meet stray dogs or dogs who are not their own to take action. “If you see an animal suffering from heatstroke, the first thing to do is knock on the door and alert the owners that the animal is hot. If they are not home, provide water and shade, and call the police. Take the animal to the vet immediately if they are suffering, and don’t drench the animal in cold water, because this can lead to shock.”Heatstroke in animals is not immediately identifiable to some, so Major offers some tips on recognizing symptoms. “There will be profuse panting, disorientation, heavy breathing, their tongue and gums will turn red or purple, sometimes there will be vomiting and even loss of consciousness.” Major likes to use scientific examples when teaching people about the dangers of heatstroke when it comes to dogs locked in hot cars. “A vet did an experiment where he put himself in a hot car on a comfortable day and cracked the windows. Within a half an hour it was over 100 degrees and he was sweating profusely, so animals are susceptible to heatstroke very easily.” In cases where people may find animals locked in cars on hot days, Major encourages thinking of the welfare of the animal. “If you wouldn’t leave a child in the car, don’t leave a dog. Call the police if you see an animal in distress. Pets are helpless.”Tecumseh Chief of Police Troy Stern agrees that there are certain steps individuals can take to save animals trapped within hot cars. “I suggest if they find an animal to contact local law enforcement immediately. The police department has tools to break into windows, and we don’t want anyone getting hurt.”As a police official, Stern assures that action will be taken when it comes to trapped animals. “Local law enforcement will stop and make contact with the registered owner of the vehicle. Generally they are nearby, but we will check on the welfare of the dog and if there is something concerning to us we will advise the owner of the situation. There are absolutely laws [on animal cruelty] regarding this and we will report to the prosecutor in severe cases where the animal has perished or is in dire need.”Cars are not the only places where animals can be hurt by the heat. Hot pavement can cause blisters and burns on the pads of feet on dogs, cats, and other critters. “Definitely animals can burn their feet on pavement,” Major said. “If we can burn our feet on pavement and hot sand, they can as well. A rule I use is that if you can’t stand on the pavement for five minutes in bare feet, you shouldn’t walk your pets.” As a veterinarian, Major hopes that widespread awareness on heatstroke will help not only save the lives of animals, but also help prevent injuries or damage that is all too preventable. “We need education,” Major stated. “Everybody should be aware nowadays.”