Summertime and the living is easy, so the old song goes. But along with the upsides and activities of the season come life-threatening risks for our dogs and cats. Pets Best Insurance knows this from the multitude of insurance claims filed for pets suffering from heat-related illnesses. It’s why we urge pet owners to exercise caution when spending time outdoors with their four-legged family members this summer. In this article, we’ll explain the serious risks associated with heat stroke and other issues hot weather can cause for our pets.
Heat Stroke in Pets
Among the most common and dangerous risks for canines is heat stroke, which occurs when a dog’s body temperature exceeds 106 degrees.3 When this happens there is a potential for damage to the brain and other organs. Any breed with a short or flat nose is at an increased risk for heat stroke. The reason being that their ability to breathe effectively is compromised, which can limit their ability to cool themselves in situations where heat and exercise are involved. Examples include English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, and Shih Tzus. In addition to heat stroke, fair-skinned and short-coated white dogs are highly susceptible to excessive sun exposure, which can lead to sunburn and skin cancer.
Many pet owners are likely unaware of how quickly heat stroke and other heat-related issues can occur in canines. The risks are especially high if a dog is left inside a car, even on days with mild temperatures. On a seemingly cool summer day of 68 degrees, the temperature inside a car can jump to 81 degrees within a mere 10 minutes. After an hour, the temperature inside the car can reach 115 degrees, a deadly level for dogs.1
Heat-related health issues are not only hazardous but also incredibly expensive. The average cost of heat stroke related claims received by Pets Best is $913.2
Symptoms of heat stroke in dogs include:
- Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Bright red gums
- Seizures
- Collapsing
To prevent heat-related illnesses, avoid outdoor activities during the middle of the day when temperatures peak. Also, ensure that your dog has access to shade and water while they enjoy the outdoors. If a dog is showing signs of heat stroke, pet owners should immediately move the dog to an air-conditioned area and seek veterinary care.
Paw Pad Burns
The hot summer sun can raise the temperature of asphalt roads to a dangerous degree, even when the temperature outdoors feels pleasant. If the asphalt or sidewalk is too hot for people to walk on barefoot, it is also too hot for dogs and cats.
During summertime, try to walk your pet early or late in the day to avoid the peak heat. If you have to walk your pet in the middle of the day, try to remain in shaded areas. Some pet owners opt to purchase boots to protect their animals’ paw pads from painful blistering.
Potential warning signs that your pet has burnt their paw pads include:
- Limping or not wanting to walk
- Darker or discolored pads
- Excessive licking of feet
- Blisters or extreme redness
- Torn or missing parts of the pads
If your dog suffers burns to their paw pads, immediately flush their paws with cold water or apply a cold compress. Burns can become infected, so if your pet’s symptoms are concerning get in touch with your veterinarian.
Summer is a time of fun in the sun for many pets and their owners. Just remember that it can also present significant risks for dogs and cats. Taking steps to protect your four-legged family members before you head out to enjoy the great outdoors can save you a costly trip to your veterinarian and ensure a safe and happy summer vacation. Because accidents and illnesses can occur at any time, it’s wise to have pet insurance. In general, the cost of pet insurance is low compared to the services it can cover and the peace of mind it provides.
Sources
1 Null, J. (n.d.). Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elasped Time.
2 Pets Best Insurance. (n.d.). Internal Claim Data Jan 2018 - Jun 2020.
3 Ward, E. (n.d.). Heat Stroke in Dogs. Retrieved July 15, 2020, from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs#:~:text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20if%20a%20pet's,referred%20to%20as%20heat%20stroke.