Keeping Cool

During these summer heat waves we must remember the affect they have on our pets, as well as ourselves. Last month I told you about some of the risks of the summer, but we cannot pass by on the fact that the sun is the biggest enemy of our pets, since they cannot cope so well with the heat. They do not have sweat glands with which they can cool their body down like humans. Overheating can be dangerous and even deadly for your pet. Since dogs cannot sweat, they overheat easily, which can lead to death. Remember, dogs only lose heat through their paws and the mouths (panting), so watch for telltale signs of overheating in hot weather. If we see a dog overheated in a parked car, we should call the police, and, in a dire emergency, break a window, which is legal if it is to save a pet’s life.

How you know if an animal is overheated?

Dogs:  When a dog is overheated, it has very red gums, is panting heavily, is listless and does not want to eat. Some dogs may even vomit.  As stated above, dogs only lose heat by panting, and through their paws. Make sure that your dog has a place in the shade. Never leave him in a car, not even for 15 minutes! Make sure he always has fresh drinking water. If he likes swimming, it is a perfect way to cool down. And there are special cooling items available in the pet shops, such as cooling mats or cooling collars. Since these are made with a special material, make sure he does not chew them and use them only when you are present. Take extra care with dogs with thin fur because they can get sunburned, and should be rubbed with a sun screen, and take them for walks in early morning or evening.

Cats: Our feline pets tend to take better care of themselves, and always seem to find a cool place if they are too hot. Therefore, the risk of overheating is very slim. Just make sure they have enough shade available or that they are able to go inside.

Rabbits: These pets don’t do well in the heat also.  In the wild, of course, they go underground to cool off. From 24 degrees and up they do have a problem. Make sure the sun will not be on their cage. You can easily make your own cooling elements for rabbits, such as frozen plastic water bottles wrapped with a towel and placed in the cage.

Birds:  When overheated, our fine-feathered friends sit with their feathers spread out and their beaks open. Make sure the cage is not in direct sunlight. Birds like to take a bath, so provide them with cool fresh water. Keep in mind that heat rises, so the floor might be a better place for the cage on hot days. If you have an outside aviary you can hang a wet, white sheet over the aviary.

Terrarium or aquarium: These are more used to hot weather, but keep controlling the temperature and make sure the sun is not shining directly on them.

Sheep, goats, horses and other outside animals: They all like a place in the shade. Make sure they have fresh drinking water. Sheep are better off sheared. Do not go horse riding in the daytime, but go earlier or later in the day to prevent the horse, and yourself, from overheating!  

Remember, if you think your animal is too hot, you must use common sense in helping him cool down. Dogs, cats, rabbits and other rodents can be cooled down with cool water. Don’t use ice water because it causes the veins to narrow and it is even more difficult to give off the body heat. Bring the animal to a place in the shade or a cool area inside to recover. Make sure they have enough fresh drinking water, but, again, no ice water!

Overheating can lead to heat shock, which is recognized by pale gums, quick heartbeat and panting, cold ears, nose and tail, and hardly or no reaction to stimulation. This is an emergency! You must contact a veterinarian and start cooling immediately!