Georgia’s summers are hot and humid, so you must take precautions when temperatures skyrocket to protect your pet from overheating. Our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team knows that southern summers can be hot and humid, and we offer safety tips to help keep your pet as cool as a cucumber when the temperatures skyrocket.

#1: Educate yourself about pet heatstroke

Your pet’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees. Heatstroke occurs when your pet’s temperature increases to 104 or higher because of increased environmental temperatures or humidity or excessive physical exertion. Heatstroke is considered a veterinary emergency and can significantly damage systems throughout the body, including:

  • Cardiovascular system — Initially, the heart rate increases, but if the body temperature continues to elevate, the heart loses the ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body, blood pressure decreases, and eventually, shock occurs. Heart muscle damage may also cause arrhythmias.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) tract — Decreased perfusion compromises the GI wall integrity, allowing bacteria to migrate into the bloodstream, and sepsis may result.
  • Kidneys — Direct thermal injury and decreased perfusion can lead to acute kidney failure, which prevents the body from filtering toxins from the system.
  • Respiratory system — Prolonged elevated body temperatures can damage cells in the lungs and associated vasculature, and lead to respiratory distress.
  • Central nervous system — The brain is highly susceptible to thermal injury, and cerebral swelling, hemorrhage, and cell death can occur.

In addition to these devastating effects, heatstroke can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which results in body-wide clotting abnormalities. 

#2: Know your pet’s heatstroke risk

Pets don’t sweat like humans and are not as good at regulating their body temperature, making them all susceptible to heatstroke. However, some are more at risk than others, including:

  • Brachycephalic breeds — Flat-faced pets, such as pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, and Persian cats, can only circulate limited air by panting. Since panting is one of the main methods used to dissipate heat and cool their body, these breeds are at increased heatstroke risk.
  • Overweight pets — Pets carrying extra weight have an insulating fat layer that inhibits their ability to cool themselves.
  • Senior pets — Senior pets tend to have a harder time regulating their body temperature and are more prone to overheating.
  • Thick, heavy coats — Pets with thick, heavy coats are at higher heatstroke risk.
  • Medical condition — Pets who have a preexisting medical condition, such as a heart condition or respiratory disease, are at increased risk for overheating.

#3: Keep your pet hydrated 

Dehydration increases your pet’s heatstroke risk, so keep them well-hydrated to help prevent overheating. Tips include:

  • Provide fresh, clean water — Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water. Clean and refill the water bowls daily, and remove any dropped toy or object from the water bowl and refill the bowl as soon as possible.
  • Take water on outings — When you take your pet outside, take bottled water and a portable water bowl and offer them frequent drinks.
  • Provide a water fountain — Some pets, especially cats, are drawn to running water, and are more likely to drink from a water fountain.
  • Offer ice — When temperatures are especially hot, icy treats will help keep your pet cool and allay their thirst.

#4: Never leave your pet in an unattended vehicle

Regardless of the temperature, a car’s interior temperature can increase an average of 40 degrees in an hour. This creates extremely dangerous conditions for your pet, and steps such as leaving the window cracked or parking in the shade do not keep the temperature at a safe level. 

#5: Ensure your pet takes frequent breaks

When your pet plays a favorite game or simply enjoys time with a playmate, they don’t always realize they need to take a break to cool down. Outside, ensure your pet takes frequent breaks in the shade, and offer them water so they stay well hydrated. In addition, choose cooler times of day, such as early morning or late evening, to take your pet on outings.

#6: Acclimate your pet to the heat

Pets can take up to 60 days to fully acclimate to the heat. When temperatures and humidity start to rise, shorten your walks and take frequent breaks. Gradually increase the time you spend outside, so your pet can get used to the warmer weather.

#7: Know heatstroke signs in pets

Monitor your pet for heatstroke signs, which include:

  • Lethargy
  • Excessive panting
  • Thick, ropey drool
  • Bright red mucous membranes
  • Dull mentation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Collapse
  • Seizure

#8: Know pet heatstroke first aid

If you think your pet is overheating, knowing pet heatstroke first aid can save their life. Steps include:

  • Find a cool area — Move your pet out of the heat to a cool, well-ventilated area.
  • Offer water — Offer your pet cool water, but never force them to drink or pour the water in their mouth.
  • Take your pet’s temperature — If possible, take your pet’s temperature, so you can notify our team and monitor their condition.
  • Cool your pet — Pour lukewarm water over your pet’s body, concentrating on their belly, groin, and back of their neck. You can also pour water on their ears and paws. Never use cold water or ice to cool your pet, because this can decrease their temperature too rapidly and lead to shock.
  • Transport your pet to the veterinarian — If your pet overheats, they may seem to recover, but they still need veterinary care, because they could have internal problems, such as kidney damage, that need treatment. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

These tips should help keep your pet cool during Georgia’s hot, humid summer. However, should your pet overheat, contact our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team immediately, so we can provide the care they need.