Hot temperatures are not just uncomfortable for us but also our pets. If you are feeling too hot, chances are so is your pet.
Two of the more common dangers for pets on hot days include:
- Heatstroke
- Paw pad burns
Heatstroke in dogs
Did you know dogs can also suffer from heatstroke? Yep, it’s true! Similar to humans, if dogs get too hot because of extreme temperatures or exercise they can also experience signs of heatstroke.
Heatstroke can result from a few different scenarios in which your pet is exposed to hot temperatures for a prolonged period of time. This affects their ability to dissipate heat effectively. Unfortunately the most common cause of heatstroke usually involves a pet being left in a car on a warm or hot day. Other causes include prolonged time in the sun with no shade, strenuous exercise on a warmer day, obesity, or even related to breed characteristics (thick fur or brachycephalics).
Signs of heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke can progress pretty quickly. Once the body reaches a certain temperature there is a cascade of events that start to affect multiple organ systems.
Temperatures above 41°C or 105.8°F are indicative of heatstroke.
Signs that will start to be noted include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Brick red gums
- Lethargy or poorly responsive
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Collapse
- Tremors or seizures
What to do if you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and your pup should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
If you are able to cool them off with some cool water by either sponging or hosing their body down this can help. You can also soak towels and place them over your pup as you are making your way to the vet. If they are still responsive and able to drink water, offer them some cool water.
Rarely will this alone be enough for treatment, and it is important to have your pup evaluated by a veterinarian.
What to expect at the vet
Your pup will likely be admitted immediately for triage and initial assessment by your veterinarian.
Some important information that will be collected includes:
- Temperature
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Color of their gums
- Bloodwork
Treatment for heatstroke varies depending on the severity of clinical symptoms.
Cooling therapy will be one of the first treatments to be immediately instituted. This will include wetting the paws with alcohol, supplying a fan for cooling, and continued use of pre-soaked cold water towels.
When body temperatures rise to a level where cellular function is altered there is risk for inflammatory, coagulation, and tissue disorders.
Prognosis for survival varies depending on severity of initial symptoms and response to treatments.
How to avoid heatstroke
Heatstroke can be prevented if we remember few tips:
- Never leave your pet in the car unattended
- Always have water available for your pet to drink if you are out and about
- Choose places where there is shade available for your pet to rest and cool down
- Having a water source for playing, swimming, or standing can help pets cool down on hot days
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day
Paw pad burns
Have you ever been outside on a hot summer day barefoot and walking on asphalt or concrete? It gets fiery hot! If it is too hot for your bare feet then consider it too hot for your pet’s paw pads.
For reference, here is a chart comparing air temperature and asphalt temperatures:
How to avoid paw burns
If you are headed out for a day adventure with your pup avoid areas be aware of the temperature and have a plan.
Here are some tips to save your pup’s paws:
- Make sure there is grass that your pup can walk on as an alternative
- Plan your walks for early morning or later evening
- Always test the asphalt – if your foot cannot take the heat neither can your pet’s paws
- Consider some pup socks or booties to protect their paws
What to do if your pet’s paws get burned
Your pet may seem to be okay immediately after the injury; however, after a few days you may note that they start to limp, hold up the paws, or even start excessive licking the underside of the injured paw(s). Some injuries will start as blisters that progress and others will have the entire paw peeled off.
Treatment for paw pad burns will vary depending on the degree of injury. As one can imagine, burns are painful so you may want to seek veterinary attention for treatment even if the burns appear to be mild.
Because the paws are a high motion and high contact area they can take a long time to heal. If the burns are significant, daily bandaging, antibiotics, pain medications, and rest are key for healing. Patience is also important because they can take time to heal and if we rush into too much activity too quickly we may end up back at square one.
Another important key is to not let your pet continue to lick at their paws! You know what that means…
They will have to wear the cone of shame! Or you may be able to get them to wear socks as an alternative if they do need bandaging.
The dog days of summer
Just because they may be referred to as the dog days of summer doesn’t mean they are the perfect days for our dogs! Many of us love summer because of the warm temps, but don’t forget to keep your pet’s health in mind to keep them safe from those wonderfully sunny and hot days!