Summer heat can be tough on pets

Animals can be adversely affected by high temperatures just as humans can, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service veterinarian.

“Heat exhaustion is one of the most common ailments of pets during the summer months,” MacAllister said. “Dogs and cats don’t sweat so they don’t have an efficient way to cool themselves down. To help keep your pets cool, just keep in mind the things you do for yourself to cool off.”

For outside pets, make sure the animals have access to plenty of shade and a good supply of cool water in containers that cannot be tipped over.

“You might want to consider adding ice cubes to the water container so that the water will stay cool longer,” she said. “However, if the weather is extremely hot and humid, it’s best to keep the pet indoors where there is air conditioning or a fan.”

MacAllister said an enclosed area such as a garage is not a good option because there is no air circulation.

It is important for pet owners to make sure there is enough shade in the outdoors area where the animals are kept, especially between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Although it may not happen often, animals that are tied in the yard can suffer heat stress if they become tangled in the tether and are unable to reach shade or water.

“Many animals enjoy going for a ride in the car, but should be restrained when inside of a moving vehicle. In addition, pets should never be left locked inside of a parked vehicle,” MacAllister said. “The temperature inside of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees or higher, even with the windows open. If you’re running errands and you’re unable to take the dog inside with you, it’s best to leave the animal at home.”

Some pet owners enjoy exercising with their pets, but over exertion can overheat pets quickly, especially in humid weather.

“Dogs don’t sweat like people. They rely on panting to cool themselves.  Panting involves the flow of air through the nasal passages and mouth,” she said. “This flow of air maximizes evaporation and heat loss as the air is exposed to the large evaporative surface area of the nasal turbinates, inside the dog’s nose. I encourage pet owners who exercise with their pets to do so early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid over exertion.”

The signs of heat stress pet owners should be aware of include bright red gums, elevated heartbeat and body temperature and rapid panting. As this condition progresses, the animal may stare with anxious expression, ignore verbal commands and skin may feel warm and dry. Emergency treatment for this condition includes sponging the animal’s neck and groin area with cool water until temperature is lowered or returns to normal. Contact your veterinarian immediately because the pet may require further treatment to prevent serious complications that can accompany heat stress.  

 Be especially careful with very young and older pets, as well as obese pets and those with health problems, as they are less able to thermo regulate themselves. In addition, short-nosed dogs such as pugs and boxers do not have as much surface area in their nasal passages, so they are especially vulnerable to the heat.

 Some pet owners believe clipping a dog’s fur will help pets stay cool during the summer months. However, MacAllister said the fur protects the skin and if the fur is clipped too short, the skin can burn, just as it does in humans.

“I don’t recommend across-the-board clipping of dogs, but those animals that have a heavy thick coat may need to have their fur trimmed. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of clip would be beneficial,” she said. “An animal’s coat protects their skin and can actually trap cooler air next to their body and help keep them cool.”

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Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu