We just finished up a fairly intense heat wave and we’re only in the middle of July and we still have August to get through. Dr. Wylegala says it’s important to talk about some issues related to heat and pets.
Animals are highly suspectable to heat stroke. They are very sensitive to high temperatures and depending on what breed of dog you have, they can be incredibly sensitive. Any of the animals with a pushed in nose or nasal passages, like Pugs, Pekinese, Shih Tzu and Bull dogs are much more prone to heat stroke because they don’t have the elongated nose which allows them to cool air when they breath.
When we have higher temperatures, it is very important to make sure your pet is not exposed to the heat. Take you dog for short walks early in the morning or later in the evening. Do not walk them in heat of the day. Don’t leave your pet outside. Have them in the air-conditioned building or home or with a fan that is directed fairly close to them. Dr. Wylegala says never, ever take your pet in the car. Even if you think it’s going to be a one or two-minute trip. The time at the cashier may take longer; you may run into someone you know, and it only take minutes for the temperature in the car to become life threatening for our animals. Also don’t forget asphalt. If it is too hot for our feet, it’s too hot for your pets and they can burn their pads. So please avoid the heat of the day, keep your pets inside, in air conditioning or with a fan. Never ever take them in the car, even if it is a short trip. It can become deadly. Talk to your veterinarian about additional ideas and what to do. She says we love our pets and we don’t want anything tragic to happen to them. The are just as suspectable if not more suspectable to the issues of heat as we are.
