SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — As this week’s heat wave could bring triple-digit temperatures to the Wasatch Front, officials are reminding the public that heat-related illness can be a serious concern for pets.
Guinnevere Shuster, spokesperson for the Humane Society of Utah, told ABC4.com that heat stroke is a danger for both cats and dogs, but she noted that some breeds are particularly susceptible.
“Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to heat,” she said.
Breeds such as bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Pekingese, and Boston terriers face particular problems because they are “brachycephalic,” or short-nosed.
These flat-faced dogs have shorter nasal cavities, making it more difficult for them to breathe. Unlike humans, dogs can only sweat through their paws, so the main way they regulate their body temperature is through panting.
But for brachycephalic breeds, their inherent breathing issues can make them more prone to heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition.
According to Cornell University’s Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, the symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, and collapsing.
Anyone who notices these heat-related symptoms in their pet is urged to bring them to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
Along with flat-faced dog breeds, older and obese pets are also more at risk for heat-related illness. Dogs with coats adapted to cold weather, such as Alaskan Malamutes or Akitas, can also be susceptible to overheating amid unusually hot weather.
Some cat breeds are also brachycephalic. Common ones are Bermese, Persian and Himalayan.
For cats, panting or heavy drooling is a telltale sign they are struggling with heat. According to the Veterinary Emergency Group, owners who see their cat panting should take them to a dark, cool room with an air conditioner, fan, or both. If rapid breathing persists, go to an emergency vet.
Perhaps the biggest heat-related threat facing pets during heat waves is people leaving them inside hot cars.
“Cars heat up very quickly, temperatures can reach up to 140 degrees in just a few minutes, which can definitely lead to heat stroke in dogs and cats,” Shuster said.
The advocacy group PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said that last year it received reports that 163 pets died after being left in hot cars. That same year, it also received nearly 900 reports of pets being rescued from dangerously hot vehicles.
To help pets stay cool during 100-degree summer days, Shuster advises owners not to walk or exercise pets during the heat of the day. Instead, take walks in the early morning or evening hours, when conditions are cooler.
Additionally, she said that owners should make sure pets have access to shade and water while at home. Shuster encouraged owners to get creative while cooling their pets, such as giving them a “pupsicle” with frozen bone broth.
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