JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Scorching temperatures take a toll on everyone from people… to pets.
Forever Vets Animal Hospital emergency room had a few canine patients come in for a visit because of heat-related illnesses.
“You see a lot of dogs coming from other boarding facilities and dog parks that experience or do have symptoms and signs of heat stroke,” Alejandra Claypol, hospital manager, said.
Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services said it opened an investigation into three heat-related dog deaths within the past three weeks.
Two of the dogs died from being left outside in the heat without water.
The third dog died in a home that did not have a working air conditioner.
Also, within the past three weeks, Animal Control officers have responded to an estimated 300 animal distress or cruelty calls related to the hot temperatures.
Dog breeds with short snouts have a harder time in the heat, according to animal experts.
“You should notice it within a matter of minutes when they are struggling,” Claypol said. “You will see increased panting, increased salivation, and they will become restless.”
The dog’s gum color would turn pink to red as the symptoms worsen.
Depending on how long the dog has suffered in the heat, an expensive trip to an animal ER becomes necessary.
“This could potentially be fatal for the pet as well and they could potentially have things that are irreversible,” Claypol said.
Claypol said the ER doesn’t only treat doggies for heat strokes.
“We do see a lot of heat-related injuries also in their pads from walking or just doing a short jog.”
Nearly triple-digit temps can also cause surface temperatures to burn the pads on your dog’s feet.
Forever Vets also includes a daycare and boarding facility.
“We have an indoor and an outdoor play area. That allows the pets to get into the shade so they can cool down. We also have a pool in the outdoor area so that gives them a chance to cool down,” Lead receptionist Ashley Harris said.
The staff will spray water on the fake grass to keep the surface cool so the dogs can play safely.
“If they start to exhibit symptoms of panting lethargy, or if they are just not able to get their breath, we take their temperature and we have medical staff here that can look at the well-being of the pet and see what we need to do to help them out,” Harris said.
News4JAX checked the temperatures on Monday at the Southbank River Walk, where many Jacksonville residents will walk or jog with their pets.
According to an infrared thermometer, the surface of a brick was 119 degrees. The asphalt was 129 degrees, and the concrete was 110 degrees.
It’s best to walk pets on grass or dirt surfaces, experts advised. They also said using dog socks can provide a protective barrier between the ground and your dog’s pads.
They typically cost between $18 to $40.
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