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Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle and when at home, be sure to provide animals with plenty of shade and cool water. Photo provided.

By Darla SheldenCity Sentinel Reporter

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK As summer has arrived, pets and their owners are spending more time outside. Keeping your pets safe in the summer heat is of the utmost importance.

Although many animals like spending time outside, pet owners need to take precautions to ensure they stay safe in the summer heat, said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the universitys College of Veterinary Medicine.

Humans take precautions such as staying hydrated and applying sunscreen when spending time outdoors in the heat. Its just as important to take heat-related precautions for your pet, Biggs said.

Dogs dont sweat like people instead they pant to cool themselves. Excessive panting indicates your pet is overheated, Biggs added. As the heat increases, body functions begin to shut down.

As for car rides, leaving a pet in a hot vehicle is a life-threatening mistake, according to Biggs.

Cars interiors heat up quickly, even if the air temperature is only 80 degrees, Biggs stated. The interior of a vehicle can reach 115 degrees in just 15 minutes.

When dogs pant to cool themselves, inhaling hot air from inside a vehicle has little cooling effect and the animal can quickly overheat in just a few minutes, she said. As much as you enjoy your pets company, and as much as they enjoy rides in the car, its best to leave your furry friend at home on hot days.

For those who enjoy a good run with a canine friend, Biggs said it is important to keep in mind that asphalt roads and walking trails can be too hot and burn the pads on a dogs feet.

Biggs shared the following advice: before heading out, place your hand or bare foot on the running surface. If the surface is uncomfortable to human touch, it also is too hot for a dog. She suggested going for a short run or walk early in the day or later in the evening when the temperature is more bearable.

For those who enjoy lake trips, Biggs warns that owners should not assume a pet dog will drink lake water.

Be sure to always bring a bowl and a supply of fresh water to keep the dog hydrated, Biggs said.

The same is true at home.

Sun coming through a window can heat up a water bowl, and most dogs will not drink hot water no matter how thirsty they are.

Biggs recommends for pets who stay outside during the day, to be sure the water bowl is in a place thats shaded and cannot be tipped over. If possible, the bowl should have fresh, clean water refilled several times throughout the day.

Freeze containers of water to put in your pets outdoor water bowl, she said. This will help ensure your furry friends water stays cooler for a longer period of time.

Biggs points out that access to shade in the yard is an absolute must for pets. He suggests that a small kiddie pool is a great way to provide a fun cooling-off spot where pets can play.

Despite all precautions, a pet may still show signs of heat stress or heat stroke, Biggs warns.

Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting that does not resolve as the pet rests, increasing distress, a tongue color that is dark red to almost purple, weakness or collapse, hyper-salivation, vomiting and labored breathing, she said.

Dogs gums often appear redder early on when an animal is overheated and become paler when excessively overheated. In addition, a dogs gums may be dry or sticky if the animal is not staying adequately hydrated.

If you suspect a dog or cat is suffering from heat stroke, move him to a cooler environment immediately and apply cool water to the abdomen, ears and foot pads, Biggs said. Dont pour ice water over the whole animal, submerge your pet in a tub of cold water, or cover it in a cold, wet blanket, as these all may result in cooling your animal too quickly and decreasing blood flow to important areas.

Once stable, get the animal to a veterinarian as quickly as possible, even if the pet seems to be cooling down and the body temperature seems normal. Biggs said heat can cause internal damage thats not immediately obvious.

As a pet owner, its vital to establish a good relationship with a local veterinarian, not only for emergency situations, but also for regular checkups, she said. If you travel with your pets, get veterinarian recommendations for the area to which youre traveling in the event your pet gets sick.

Biggs notes that keeping a dog well-groomed is another way to reduce the risk of heat stress and helps to keep the animal more comfortable in the summer heat. A natural coat that has been groomed offers protection from sunburn and acts as cooling insulation.

Shaving your dogs coat will take away that protection, Biggs stated.

Remember, your pet cant tell you in words when something is wrong. As responsible pet owners, its your job to protect and provide for your pet, Biggs said. If youre feeling uncomfortably warm, its a sure bet your dog is, too.

More information is available at Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. To learn more, visit eeo.okstate.edu.

OSU Extension veterinarian, Dr. Rosslyn Biggs suggests that a small kiddie pool is a great way to provide a fun cooling-off spot where pets can play. Photo by Darla Shelden

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, says pet owners need to take precautions to ensure pets stay safe in the summer heat. OSU website photo.

See the article here:
Keeping pets safe in the summer heat, a must - City-sentinel

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