How Summer Heat Can Affect Dogs and Cats?

What may seem like an ordinary summer day can turn out to be very dangerous for your animal companion in less time than you can possibly imagine. Before long, your dog may feel eager to play but soon fall behind the pace, drooling and seeking shade. Cats don’t have an easy time either, particularly when exposed to excessive heat in small or poorly ventilated areas.

Though the heat in summer poses risks for your dog and cat, it is often difficult to recognize that your pets have heat exhaustion. This article explains the signs of overheating, when heat stroke becomes an emergency, and how to keep your pet safe from heat.

Why Summer Heat Is Hard on Pets

From small breeds to larger dogs, different types of dogs may respond differently to hot weather, but dogs have limited ability to cool themselves through sweating and primarily rely on panting to regulate body temperature.

Cats also have limited ability to cool themselves in extreme heat and rely on behaviors such as seeking shade, spreading out, and grooming to help regulate body temperature. These methods may become less effective during very hot weather.

Undoubtedly, dogs will play at the beach, in the car or on asphalt pavement; therefore, they will be exposed to more heat-related problems. Cats, on the other hand, will most probably be indoors; however, they can be exposed to heat in the sunroom, garage, shed, or even in their carrying boxes.

Heat-related illness can become a medical emergency when a pet’s body temperature rises too high and cannot be cooled effectively. Heatstroke can cause serious internal organ damage and can be life-threatening.

Here are common situations that can raise a pet’s risk:

• Midday walks
• Hot cars
• Humid weather
• Outdoor play with no breaks
• Limited water access
• Trapped garages or sheds

Warning Signs of Overheating

Early signs of overheating can look small at first. A dog can become slower and take a break to find shade or stop walking. A cat may not be active, breathe faster, and appear extremely restless.

Excessive or continuous panting, especially with drooling, can be an important sign of overheating in dogs. Although cats can also pant, excessive panting or open-mouth breathing can indicate serious heat stress. Some of the other symptoms are weakness, red and sticky gums, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering or collapsing.

As per the Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital, heatstroke can occur when a pet’s body temperature rises to dangerously high levels. Watch for these red flags during hot weather:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or wobbling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion
• Collapse
• Seizures

Pets With Higher Heat Risk

Some pets need extra caution before the day even feels “too hot.” It is very difficult for animals with flat faces to control their body temperature through respiration due to narrow air passages. Flat-faced breeds include pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers, while Persian cats are also a flat-faced breed at higher risk from heat.

Other animals that may feel uncomfortable during summer weather are obese animals, puppies, kittens, and elderly animals. Animals with preexisting health conditions such as heart problems and respiratory problems may not tolerate the heat well. A summer exam may be beneficial, as each animal is different with regard to tolerating the heat.

There are several reasons why a dog or cat could have difficulty dealing with an increase in temperature. These include the pet’s age, weight, breed, respiratory issues, medications, and past illnesses. For families in Katy, a veterinarian at Fry Road Animal Clinic can review those details during a routine exam and suggest practical changes, like safer walk times, hydration tips, and warning signs to watch for at home.

How to Keep Dogs and Cats Cool

Think ahead rather than reacting. Plan the walk schedule to begin in the early mornings or late evenings, and keep the time of exercise short during moist air conditions. Exercise the dog moderately, taking several breaks in between. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends limiting activity to cooler times of the day and avoiding strenuous exercise during hot or humid weather.

Cats will feel better in cool rooms, with fresh water and shaded resting areas. Some cats may drink water more often if there is a flowing fountain available. When it’s very hot outside, the indoor air conditioner will do just fine.

Simple cooling choices can make summer safer:

• Fresh water
• Shaded rest areas
• Cooler exercise times
• Indoor shelter during extreme heat
• Never leave pets in hot cars
• Good airflow

Grooming can help, but shaving is not always the answer. A pet’s coat can offer some protection from sun and heat when it is healthy and well maintained. Before making drastic changes to a dog’s coat, consult a veterinarian or groomer, particularly for a double-coated dog.

How to Respond to a Heat Emergency

Act quickly to help him out if you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke. Move him away from the heat and into a cool, shaded area, such as an indoor space with good airflow. Begin cooling your pet down using cool water.

Concentrate on areas such as your pet’s stomach and use a fan to help with cooling as the water evaporates. Offer your pet small amounts of water once its body temperature begins to go down. Do not force water into its mouth.

Take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away. While your pet may seem fine after cooling him down, heatstroke can affect his internal organs, blood, and digestion. Your veterinarian will check your pet to ascertain if there are other problems that should be treated or diagnosed and decide if fluid, monitoring or hospitalization is needed.

A Cooler Summer for Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats may get affected by heat quickly, but a couple of simple steps can help avoid this problem. Early identification of warning signs, walking for shorter periods of time, supplying water and shady places and reacting quickly when warning signs are present are excellent ways to avoid problems in the heat.

When it is too hot outside, trust your gut instincts. Allow your dog to rest inside, avoid the riskier errand, or postpone play time until a more suitable time. A safer summer is often built from simple choices.