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Dogs, for example, are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, which exist on their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they have only hot air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage quickly.
Short-nosed breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, young pets, seniors or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.
It's important to identify the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the animal for signs of heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.
If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps to gradually lower her body temperature immediately. Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck and chest or immerse her in cool (not cold) water. Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take her directly to a veterinarian.
Pets count on people to keep them safe. We all have to do our part!
Published 07/11/08
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Pets, more so than humans, get overheated easily. While people can roll down car windows, crank up the air conditioner at home or dive in a swimming pool when they become too hot, pets cannot. And pets are much less efficient at cooling themselves than people are.
