Affect Of Heat On Pets: What Should I Know ?

8/23/20232 min read

Who doesn't love a hot summer day? Many of us do but when the temperature climbs it starts to become unbearable, as pet owners it is crucial for us to recognize that our furry companions are just as vulnerable to the heat as we are.

In this blog post we will talk about the importance of understanding the potential dangers of heat for pets, acquiring knowledge and becoming aware of the vulnerabilities caused by record-setting days like we’ve had in 2023.

1. Understanding Pets and Heat:

Imagine leaving the house with an extra item of clothing on you, we could easily take it off to cool down. As for our furry companions it's not so easy, distinct physiological traits leave pets more vulnerable to heat related issues like :

Their inability to efficiently regulate body temperature and sweat.
Fur coats.
Smaller body sizes.
The limited capacity to communicate their discomfort.

Pets' physiological cooling mechanisms are different from human beings due to their higher body temperature, small size, color and density of their fur. The ability to sweat dissipates the heat from our bodies by evaporating the moisture through the surface of the skin.

Unfortunately for pets they have limited amounts of sweat glands located primarily on their paws, so their inability to efficiently regulate body temperature through sweating makes them highly reliant on panting as their primary cooling mechanism.

Understanding these distinctions is key for pet owners to recognize when their pets might be experiencing heat stress and to implement strategies to keep them cool and safe during hot weather.

2. Signs of Heat Stress in Pets

Recognizable signs of heat stress in pets:

Excessive Panting- When the heat becomes too intense, their panting can become more pronounced and fast.
Drooling and Salivating- Pets bodies will attempt to cool down by increasing moisture in their mouth but their excessive drooling can also lead to dehydration so make sure they drink plenty of water.
Elevated heart rate and Breathing- Your pets heartbeat is faster than normal and their breathing is quicker and shallow. These are indicators of the body working hard to fight heat stress.
Lethargy and Weakness- Your pet might seem less energetic and inactive than usual. This is because their bodies are diverting energy towards cooling themselves down, leaving them with reduced stamina for other activities.
Difficulty Walking or Standing- Extreme heat stress can lead to muscle weakness and even collapse. If your pet appears to have trouble walking, standing, or coordinating their movements, it's critical to address their condition promptly.

Heat stress, if left unmanaged, can escalate into a much more serious and life-threatening condition known as heatstroke.

If pets are left without:

Inadequate Cooling
Not enough water causing dehydration
Hot environments such as a parked car or directly under sunlight
Excessive activity, intense play or exercise

This Could lead to:

Rapid Heartbeat
Confusion or Disorientation
Labored Breathing
Collapse or Unconsciousness
Organ Failure

If you suspect your pet is experiencing heat stroke, it's important to act quickly:

Move them to a cooler area.
Offer cool, not cold, water to drink.
Use cool water or wet towels to gently lower their body temperature.
Seek immediate veterinary attention, as heatstroke can be rapidly fatal if not treated promptly.

Emergency Response Numbers #

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
1-888-426-4435
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
1-855-764-7661

3. Preventive Measures:

When going out to enjoy the day keep in mind when temperatures soar it is essential to keep your pets cool. Pets love the outdoors and we do too, here are some steps to keep your pet cool during hot weather:

Have water ready. Make sure you have a bowl or bottle for when your pet gets thirsty, also avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours. Hydration is Key!
Trimming excess fur during the hotter months. For pets with long or thick fur, consider trimming their coats but be cautious not to shave them completely as fur also acts as insulation. Consult a groomer for advice on appropriate cuts.
Find shaded areas. Whether it's a tree, an umbrella, or a portable shade, these areas offer cover from the heat. Create a spot where they can retreat from the sunny rays.
Cooling Mats and Accessories. Cooling mats, pet-safe sunblock, protective clothing, portable pet baths, pools or even dog splash pads are designed to keep pets cool and can be beneficial. These items are often activated by water and can help regulate body temperature.
Don't leave your pet in a hot car! Even for a short while it is dangerous, cars can heat up very quickly. If you're traveling with your pet make sure they are always with you.

4. Special Considerations for Specific Pets:

Pets react to heat differently from each other, that can be due to many reasons like:

Breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic) like Bulldogs and Persian cats are more prone to heat stress because of their long palates in the back of their mouths and small nasal passages.
Rabbits, rodents and birds spend most of their time in cages so it's hard for them to avoid direct sunlight shining over them during peak hours of heat. By covering their cages with shade, keeping windows open and having a fan nearby can help cool them down. Use household objects like ice packs and set them near the cage.
Age. Young and senior pets have a higher risk of heatstroke. Young kittens, puppies, and rabbits tend to exert a lot more energy and are unable to regulate their body temperatures as well as adults. Senior pets require extra care as they are more vulnerable. It may not be as easy to move around anymore and weight sometimes becomes a factor increasing the risk.
Breeds with thicker coats and darker color coats are at a higher risk due to attracting more sunlight than others pets with lighter coats of fur.

5. Creating a Pet-Friendly Environment:

It's always good to strategize how you can cool your home to be more heat safe, especially if you plan on becoming a first time pet owner. As the day goes on sunlight moves from one end of the house to the other so keep that in mind and make sure your pets aren't in areas with a lot of windows or greenhouse type structures like covered front porches.

Ensure your home has good airflow, open windows, set up areas with fans or portable cooling devices for your pet which will help them stay cool, use central air conditioning to regulate indoor temperature. Dark curtains, cooling mats, fans and dedicated air condition spaces are good places to start heat proofing for your pet.

Additional Resources:

In the scorching heat, your pets rely on your care and vigilance. Remember, they can't communicate their discomfort in the same way humans can. By following these guidelines, you're taking crucial steps to ensure their safety, comfort, and overall well-being during the hottest months of the year.

Share this information with fellow pet owners, friends, and family members. The more people are informed about pet heat safety, the more pets will be safeguarded from the dangers of heat-related issues.