Just like with their owners, pets can be susceptible to heat exhaustion.
Dogs and cats can both fall victim to heat related illnesses, although dogs are most at risk because they engage in activities with people, such as taking walks, riding in vehicles and playing outside with members of the family, said Pearl River County SPCA Vice President Judy Wheaton.
Man’s best friend can be seen taking rides in vehicles any time of the year, but during the summer poses the greatest risk since not all destinations allow pets inside. That means dogs who ride with their owners to town, may be left in a hot car.
“If you’re going to go shopping, you should leave your dog home during the summertime,” Wheaton said.
One thing that puts dogs at risk of heat exhaustion is that they don’t expel heat like people. Wheaton said their methods to cool off involve panting, and sweating through their nose and paws.
Since dogs don’t wear shoes, it’s also not a good idea to take a dog for a walk along a sidewalk or on asphalt when the temperatures are high. Wheaton said that if the owner can’t touch the concrete or asphalt with their hands for several seconds, then it’s too hot for a dog’s paws. If walking the family dog is a must when it’s hot outside, a grassy area is best. Alternately, pet owners can wait until it cools off as the sun is going down to take their pet for a walk, Wheaton said.
If left unattended, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a much more serious stage of overheating. Some signs of heat exhaustion for dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, reddening of the skin inside the ears and rapid panting, according to dogtime.com.
Pet owners who suspect their dog is becoming overheated should take action quickly to cool them off. First, the animal should be moved to a cooler area, before providing fresh drinking water. To further cool the animal down use cool or lukewarm water to dampen the skin. Never use cold water.
If the animal can’t cool down, then heat stroke could occur. Those symptoms include bright red tongue, pale gums, vomiting, dizziness, which could lead to the animal going into shock and even a coma.
Once the dog has cooled down, a visit to their veterinarian should take place immediately, the site states.