Maple Grove Patch Pets: Hot Dog!

Patch Pets is a weekly feature focusing on the pets of Maple Grove and their owners.

With the hot temperatures of July hitting Maple Grove, 's Dr. Richard Silverstein answers a few questions about how heat can effect pets and how to keep them safe in the summer.

Maple Grove Patch: How can hot outside temperatures be a health hazard to pets?

Dr. Richard Silverstein: Summer days are fun filled and exciting for pets. The kids are home, the days are longer, and summer activities abound. However, rising summer temperatures also pose the possible dangers of heat stress, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. But not to worry! A little common sense this season can keep your pet safe.

Routine and regular exercise such as running with your pet (my personal favorite), fetching a ball, or racing around a dog park on hot days, may lead to overheating. This, combined with a pet’s limited ability to cool themselves, poses a threat to your pet’s health. Take frequent breaks during your play to keep you and your pet cool and hydrated.

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in a short time, even with windows cracked.

Hot surfaces pose another danger. The tar sealer on roadways often softens and becomes gooey on hot days. It can be very irritating to the feet and difficult to remove. Protect your pet’s feet and pay attention to where you two are walking.

A few light colored pets get sunburn. Really!  The end of the nose is the place to watch. If your pet has fair skin, you can apply a child-safe sunscreen on his or her little pink nose.

Maple Grove Patch: What are the most common heat related health issues you see and how are the pets typically treated?

Dr. Silverstein: Pets have a limited number of sweat glands in their feet. The majority of their cooling process is through panting. Cold air moves in and hot air moves out. When the air breathed in is as hot as the expired air, it is difficult for pets to cool off. Unfortunately, a pet’s panting is a far less efficient cooling mechanism than our process of sweating.

Mild signs of heat stress may include excessive panting, fatigue, and lack of interest in an activity. Heat stress, however, can rapidly progress to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Advanced signs include extreme panting, vomiting or diarrhea, salivating, staggering and collapse.

The best treatment is prevention, but heat stress is a medical emergency. If your pet should show signs, they should be treated immediately.

1. Activity should cease.

2. Move your pet to a cool (preferably air conditioned) area.

3. Give plenty of cool water.

4. Wet your pet with room temperature water (not cold).

5. Place a fan to facilitate evaporative cooling.

6. Contact your veterinarian for further instructions. In more severe cases don’t wait. Drive immediately to your veterinarian.

Note:  Applying very cold water to the skin causes a constriction of blood vessels in the skin and may actually cause your pet to retain heat.

Maple Grove Patch: What animals are typically more susceptible to heat related illnesses?

Dr. Silverstein: Pets most at risk include brachycephalic breeds (short nosed), older pets that may lack the energy to pant, dark colored pets, overweight pets and heavy coated pets. Dogs with underlying respiratory and circulatory problems, with a history of coughing, collapsing trachea, or heart disease, are particularly at risk.

Maple Grove Patch: What can pet owners do to protect their pet(s) from the summer heat?

Dr. Silverstein: The best way to protect your pet is to avoid outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Dawn and dusk are the best time for runs, walks and play. Never leave a pet in a parked car or closed garage for even a moment. Watch out for hot surfaces - walk in the grass.  Make sure pets have access to plenty of cool water. Many pet owners forget that the bowl of water in the sun may be too hot to drink.  Fun activities that actually promote cooling include a wading pool or a splash in the lake, and are recommended on hot summer days.

Be aware during summer heat. Ask yourself, “What am I doing to keep cool?  How can I help my pet do the same?” By following these suggestions, you and your pet are guaranteed a cool, fun, and safe summer.

 The preceding content provided by Dr. Richard Silverstein was for general informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your pet’s veterinarian for medical advice, diagnosis and/or treatment.. The opinions expressed are those of Dr. Richard Silverstein.

How can you become involved? Contact Editor Wendy Erlien at wendy.erlien@patch.com with your ideas for pet friendly places in Maple Grove, questions you’d like to have Patch ask the vet, or to have your pet considered for one of our pet profile segments.