As the temperature continues to rise it is imperative that clients be aware of how easily a pet can be placed at risk of heat stroke. Taking the time to further identify the precautions clients can take may save their pet’s life.

When exposed to climbing temperatures, humans adapt to the heat by sweating. In comparison, cats and dogs are only able to minimally sweat through their paws and foot pads. However, panting and rapid breathing enable them to cope with the heat by exchanging the warm body air with the cooler air found in the environment. Unfortunately, when the air and body temperatures are close to one another, the animal’s natural cooling method is not very effective.

Causes of Heat Stroke in Cats and Dogs

When an animal is unable to cool its body temperature, it ends up overheating which can result in heat stroke. Clients need to be aware that while there are many common situations that can cause heat stroke, most can be avoided. For instance, heat stroke can occur when an animal is:

• Left inside a vehicle during a hot day
• Confined inside a crate during warm/hot temperatures
• Left outside without shade or water during a hot day
• Left outside in kennels with concrete or asphalt surfaces
• Strenuously exercised in hot and/or humid weather
• Placed in a muzzle and then put under a hair dryer while being groomed

Physical or medical conditions that can cause animals to experience heat stroke include:

• Diseases affecting the heart and/or lungs that interfere with efficient breathing
• History of having suffered from previous heat stroke
• Health situations that include suffering from high fevers or seizures
• Any type of airway disease that could affect the process of heat dissipation through panting or rapid breathing
• Being a breed that exhibits with some degree of airway obstruction, for example, in animals such as:
• Persians
• Bulldogs
• Pugs
• Pekingese
• Shih Tzu
• Boston Terriers
• Chows

Heat Stroke Prevention for Pets

When talking with clients about the situations that can set the stage for heat stroke, also explain that most cases of heat stroke can be prevented by applying the following guidelines:

• In times of high heat and humidity:
• Animals with any types of airway diseases or breathing problems should be kept inside the home in an area with an air conditioner or running fan
• Leave animals at home when running errands
• If it not possible to leave pets at home, never leave them in a car that has the windows closed
• Not even when vehicle is parked in the shade
• Not even with the air conditioner running
• When traveling by car and the pet must be crated:
• Use a well-ventilated animal carrier or an open wire cage
• Restrict exercise during the hot parts of the day
• Change the routine to early morning or cooler evening times
• Outside animals require:
• Shade
• Plenty of cool, clean water
• Cooler surfaces to lie on, such as planking, mats, or grass

Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that can put an animal at risk of losing its life. Educating clients of the types of everyday situations that could predispose an animal to overheating is imperative for the safety of their pet.

To learn more about heat stroke and how to communicate the dangers to your clients, contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461 today.

Sources:

Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, 4^th ed., D.M. Eldredge, L.D. Carlson, D.G. Carlson, J.M. Giffin

Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook, 3^rd ed., D.M. Eldredge, D.G. Carlson, L.D. Carlson, J.M. Giffin