
As an early-summer heat wave burns on through Boston and much of Southern New England, many are turning to air conditioning and swimming spots to stay cool. But what about our animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets who could be affected by sweltering heat as temperatures climb above 90 degrees?
The Globe spoke with local veterinarians about tips and tricks for keeping furry friends safe amid the heat.
How concerned should I be about my pet in this heat?
Dogs and rabbits or bunnies are of the highest concern when it comes to heat waves, said Dr. Kiko Bracker, director of critical care at Angell Animal Center in Jamaica Plain. Cats, meanwhile, often stay indoors, and they’re skilled at finding cool spots within the house to chill out.
“I’ve never seen an overheated cat,” Bracker said.
Still, Dr. Rebecca Aust, who works for Ethos Veterinary Health in Saugus, also recommends monitoring breathing patterns for cats, who can be prone to asthma.
Bunnies are highly sensitive to heat, Bracker said. If your bunny spends time outdoors, its cage should be brought inside on days like this, when temps spike to 90 degrees and higher. If you have a misting device, it’s not a bad idea to give your rabbit a spray to help cool things down.
As for dogs — which are the most common animal Bracker treats for heat-related concerns — problems arise when owners push them beyond their limits, activity-wise.
Dogs typically take a few weeks to acclimatize to warmer weather, Bracker said, so there’s actually more risk of overheating on the first 70-degree day or two in the spring. By now, he said, most dogs should be used to warmer temperatures.
However, flat-faced dogs, such as Boston terriers, bulldogs, and pugs, are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion. Dogs’ main cooling method is panting, and such breeds have less panting capacity compared to dogs with bigger snouts. Aust encouraged owners of flat-faced pets to be especially mindful and avoid bringing their dogs outside as much as possible.
What are the best ways to keep my dog cool?
It’s a good idea to be proactive and cool your dog off before things heat up, using a hose or a towel soaked with room temperature water to drench your dog “head to toe,” Bracker said. You can do this after getting in from a walk, too — residual water will evaporate into your dog’s coat and help keep it cool.
“It’s a treatment measure that 100 percent saves lives,” Bracker said.
An online search may tell you to apply rubbing alcohol to your dog’s paws. Unlike humans, who sweat all over, dogs only have sweat glands on the bottom of their feet, and otherwise use their tongues and snouts to cool off. But Aust advised against using alcohol on dogs’ paws — it can cause the blood vessels in the area to constrict, which can worsen overheating. Instead, opt for soaking your dog’s paws (or its whole body) in lukewarm water.
You can also try to cool your dog internally by giving it cold water or ice cubs to consume, Aust said. Or, serve up a mix of dog food and ice chips for breakfast or dinner.
Should I still take my dog out for walks?
Some owners end up inadvertently putting their pets in harm’s way during heat waves by demanding too much activity — such as long walks, runs, or playing at the park — in hot weather.
While those are all great activities for a dog on most days, both vets recommended shortening your walk during the heat wave. Keep ventures outside to a minimum, taking the dog out for the bathroom then heading back indoors. Or try to get out in the early morning or late evening hours when the sun isn’t beating down and temperatures are lower.
“This is not the day to get them tired by exercise,” Bracker said.
If you really feel like you need to get your dog moving, Aust recommended short walks before 8 a.m. or after 8 to 9 p.m. She strongly advised against more strenuous exercise such as hikes or playing fetch at the park.
“Just like with us — we don’t want to be outside running a marathon in this heat,” Aust said. “Dogs shouldn’t be running around after a ball for an hour.”
How do I know if my dog is overheating?
Signs include unrelenting panting in short, shallow breaths. Not, to be clear, “glad-to-see-you-I’m-panting-because-I’m-a-dog” type of breaths, Bracker said.
If your dog is overheating, it may also become lethargic and disoriented, Bracker said. It might lay out flat, belly-down on the ground, with its legs stretched out front and back. It may walk around aimlessly or look dazed.
Another sign, Aust added, is if your dog’s tongue or gums become bright red in color. If heat exhaustion worsens, she said, the dog could collapse and become minimally responsive.
What do I do if my dog is overheating?
If you observe signs of overheating for more than five to 10 minutes, or if your dog collapses, you should take it to a veterinarian.
Before that, though, you can implement cooling methods similar to the preventative measures suggested above. Both vets advised spraying your dog down with lukewarm water through a hose or soak it with a wet cloth.
Bracker said to continually irrigate your dog with water for five to ten minutes to lower its temperature. Then, use a fan to circulate air and blow it toward your dog’s dampened fur. Or, Aust suggested, let it air dry.
“Owners will save lives by getting their dog wet,” Bracker said. “They ought to not hesitate.”
Aust encouraged implementing prevention methods before it gets too late.
“There aren’t a whole lot of things we can prevent,” she said. “But heat stroke is one of them.”
Madeline Khaw can be reached at maddie.khaw@globe.com. Follow her @maddiekhaw.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.