Heat stress hits our furry friends

It is not just people who are at risk during scorching summers. 

We recently offered some practical advice for humans about weathering heat stress. But our pets can also become over-heated, leading to serious heat stroke when their little bodies fail to maintain the correct internal temperature. 

Cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way as humans. We have sweat glands over our bodies that help regulate temperature. 

Dogs and cats only have a few in their feet and around their noses. 

Their long, thick hair coats can also predispose them to heat stroke. 

Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to lose heat. 

Heat stroke can happen a lot faster to your pet than you may think. Because they’re not able to cool themselves down as easily as us, we have to be extra careful to provide them with a cool, well-ventilated, and shaded environment with access to clean, fresh drinking water.  

While avoiding heat stress in the first place is preferred, here are symptoms to watchout for: 

• Panting which increases as heatstroke progresses 

• Drooling, salivating 

• Agitation, restlessness 

• Very red or pale gums 

• Bright red tongue 

• Increased heart rate 

• Breathing distress 

• Vomiting and diarrhoea (possibly with blood) 

• Signs of mental confusion, delirium 

• Dizziness, staggering 

• Lethargy, weakness 

• Muscle tremors 

• Seizures 

• Collapsing and lying down 

• Little to no urine production 

• Coma. 

The RSPCA advises that if any of these occur, contact a veterinarian. 

Move the pet to a shaded and cool area and offer some water if they’re able to drink normally — but don’t force them to, as they could inhale the water rather than swallowing it. 

“You can cool them down with cool water – not cold water or ice, because that can actually make the situation worse,” the RSPCA’s Dr Sarah Zito says. 

“Never pour the water on or near their head, as they can inhale the water.” 

Apply or spray tepid/cool water onto the animal’s fur and skin. Then apply a fan to maximise heat loss. Wetting down the area around your pet can also help. 

Remember, if you’re feeling the need to cool down your space, chances are your dog needs it as well. 

The risk of overheating can differ depending on the breed, health and build of your dog.  

The RSPCA says flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs like pugs, English and French bulldogs, and Boston terriers are at a particularly high risk. 

Respiratory or heart problems, carrying too much weight, heavy or double hair coats, as well as younger and older dogs are other risk factors. 

Cars get very hot in summer and even a short time locked inside can be fatal. 

“You should never leave your animal unattended in a car or vehicle, even in the shade, even when the windows are down. Those animals can still overheat and die really quickly,” Dr Zito said. 

“If it’s a really hot day, leave your dog at home in the air conditioning if you’re not going to be able to take them out of the car with you.” 

• Make sure they have access to shade and a well-ventilated space 

• Provide multiple containers of clean fresh water that can’t be tipped over easily 

• Give them water baths  

• Try a pet-safe cooling mat 

• Freeze water in old bottles or containers, wrap them in towels and leave them in spots around the home 

• Give them frozen treats, such as frozen fruit or wet dog food blended with water and frozen into blocks. 

More information about keeping pets safe in hot weather is available here.