News You Can Use
Help your pets beat the heat
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kasia Haupt
July 21, 2004
STARKVILLE, Miss.--While most of us welcome summer and outdoor activities, the season can be dangerous for pets, says a Mississippi State University veterinarian.
Dr. Mark Russak of MSU’s Animal Health Center says heat stress is the number-one summer health problem experienced by companion animals. His recommendation: keep pets indoors, or, if they must be outdoors, provide plenty of shade and a supply of water that can’t be tipped over.
You may trim long-haired pets, but shaving them too closely can lead to sunburn. Certain animal breeds are especially heat susceptible. “Dogs and cats with very short, pushed-back noses should never be in the heat unsupervised because they overheat and suffer from heatstroke more quickly than other breeds,” Dr. Russak cautions.
Humid weather can be especially dangerous for pets because it limits their ability to cool themselves. Watch for warning signs of sometimes-deadly heatstroke: panting; warm, dry skin; vomiting; staring; rapid heartbeat; or collapse.
“If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, act quickly and calmly,” Dr. Russak advises. Call your veterinarian immediately, then apply cool (not cold) water to lower body temperature.
Never leave your pet inside a closed car, he cautions. “Many people leave dogs in their cars while they run errands and don’t realize that car temperatures can reach more than 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked,” Russak says.
Also remember:
-- A decreased appetite is normal during hot temperatures.
-- Brush your pet often to remove excess fur but minimize baths since they can be drying.
-- Keep pets away from lawns treated with fertilizers or pesticides for 48 hours after applying chemicals.
-- Limit walks to grassy areas since hot concrete can burn an animal’s foot pads.
-- Don’t bring your dog along if you are jogging or power walking in hot weather.