Are Your Pets Cool Today? Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness from the Seattle Humane

sent out the following message offering tips on how to keep your pets cool in the high temperatures expected Thursday and Friday:

With temperatures expected to soar into the 90's this week, the Seattle Humane Society reminds pet owners to keep their furry friends safe from the heat. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle for any reason. Even at 70 degrees, the interior of a car can rise to 160 degrees in less than five minutes—parking in the shade with the windows cracked is still dangerous.

A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a very short period of time before suffering brain damage — or even death.

Remember that if your buddy has a shorter nose, like a Persian cat, a Pug or a Bulldog, he or she is more susceptible to heatstroke than breeds with longer noses. If you suspect your pet has become over heated, seek veterinary care immediately.

Signs of heat stroke include:

• Body temperatures of 104-110F degrees
• Excessive panting
• Dark or bright red tongue and gums
• Staggering or stupor
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea 
• Vomiting

At home consider your pet's housing. If they are kept outdoors, make sure they have shade and fresh water access at all times. If your pet is kept indoors, open windows, use AC and fans, and keep your shades down to keep your pets cool. It is a good idea to hose down your dog before work, at lunch or whenever you can to provide extra cooling.

If you suspect that your pet has suffered from a heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately. Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet (very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling). If your animal “appears” cooled, do not assume everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc., are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess this. 

Your pet’s foot pads contain sweat glands that help keep him cool, and the feet are particularly vulnerable to hot surfaces. Sidewalks, pavements, sand, and especially black asphalt can reach blistering temperatures in direct sunlight and cause nasty burns on your pet’s feet.

Signs of burned foot pads include:

• Limping or refusing to walk
• Foot pads appearing darker in color than usual
• Raw, red or blistered foot pads
• Licking or chewing on the feet

Take preventative measures and protect your pet’s feet by walking your pet earlier in the day before the sun heats things up. You can also walk on grassy paths or shady areas. Water play is refreshing in the summer but tender foot pads softened from prolonged water exposure can burn more easily. Dog owners should take extra care to protect dogs’ feet from hot surfaces after water play.