Dogs overheat a lot quicker than humans, as they can only sweat through their paws and use panting to regulate their body heat.
TOLEDO, Ohio —
As the temperature climbs, it may be best to keep man’s best friend inside.
This week, the WTOL 11 Weather team forecasts a “feels like temperature” that could exceed 100 degrees most days.
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Even in the shade, it can be so hot that animals can overheat quickly, Wood County Humane Agent Lindsay Crites said.
If dogs do have to be outside, Wood County humane agents say it’s important to make sure they have access to shaded areas or a fan to keep them cool.
“Make sure they have adequate food and water, and make sure the water is clean,” Rob Gowey, Wood County humane agent, said. “We all like to have cold water from time to time and animals are the same way.”
Crites said it’s important to be aware of the amount of water that dogs are taking in. If they consume too much too quickly, it can cause bloating and stomach problems, especially for larger dogs.
When taking pets for a walk, agents say it’s best to avoid concrete or cement. Gowey said asphalt can be twenty degrees warmer than what the air temperature is.
“If there’s metal nails or stuff like that sticking out, so imagine us just walking around on our bare feet. We would get burned. So will our dogs,” Gowey said.
If the pavement is too hot for someone to touch, it’s too hot for the dogs.
Leaving dogs in the car can be another way they can overheat. Gowey said the car can be 20 to 30 degrees warmer than it is outside. He said having the window slightly cracked is not enough to help keep them cool.
Dogs will show owners signs of overheating. Humane agents say some of the things to be looking out for include a dark red tongue or gums, vomiting and hiding. If a dog’s ears are flattened or against their head, that may also be a sign of stress.
If a dog is showing these symptoms, the agents said people should not cool the dog down too fast by submerging them into something cold. This can send their bodies into shock.
“You don’t want to throw a bunch of cold water on them,” Crites said. “You don’t want to immediately submerge them in something cold. We want to slowly cool them back down.”
The best thing to do is bring the pet to the nearest emergency veterinary office.
Crites said certain dogs are more at risk for overheating, including senior and long-haired dogs. Dogs with smushed faces, like English bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs have a harder time getting oxygen and regulating body temperature.
Crites said the best advice she has is to let dogs outside for only a small period of time to avoid heat exhaustion.
“It happens so fast,” she said. “It’s devastating.”
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