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Animal Companions Column: Keep
Your Pets Cool This Summer Hawaii is known for warm year round, but summertime means even higher temperatures with blazing sunshine in extremes. Here are a few important warm weather tips to protect your pet from heatstroke, the most common emergency in hot weather. In both humans and animals, heatstroke occurs when the body becomes too hot and cannot cool itself. Signs of heatstroke are rapid, shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, very high body temperature, vomiting, collapse, and eventually, coma. Dogs, rabbits, birds and cats don't perspire like human beings, and are extremely susceptible to heatstroke. Among pets, the most common cause of heatstroke is leaving them in a parked car. Before you take off in the car with your dog or cat, remember that leaving your pet in the parked car — even for ten minutes — could prove fatal to your pet. The temperature inside can quickly reach 160 degrees. Within moments, your pet could sustain permanent brain damage. Without emergency care, your pet could die. Cracking the windows will not keep the car cool enough to prevent your pet from overheating. When you plan a day of fun with your pet, think of all the stops on your to-do list. A quick stop at the store can easily stretch to 15 minutes or more. So take Rover to the dog park for some fun — then take him home and run your errands alone. Although your pets would like to go everywhere with you, it's best if you park them at home. Extreme exercise on a hot day is another cause of heatstroke among animals. During these warmer days, exercise your dog in the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler. Since the kids are out of school, your pet may be getting more attention during the day, too. Children should be aware that their pet needs more water and rest on hot summer days. Eric Ako, DVM, of The Pet Doctor, said, "You can make your pets more comfortable by shaving their coats. We recommend this easy solution for pets all summer long. The trimmed coats are easier to care for too. Just watch out for sunburn." They're not called the "dog days" of summer for nothing! Pets need a shady spot to relax during the heat of the day. The outdoor dog house that normally keeps your pet shaded and dry can become dengerously hot under the sun. Make sure the dog house or crate-style kennel has adequate ventilation; place it in a shady spot and keep the bowl filled with fresh water. Asphalt and cement can reach sizzling temperatures in the sun. Cats, rabbits and dogs can suffer severe burns to the pads of their feet if they are forced to walk on these hot surfaces. When it's time for outdoor exercise, find grassy areas with lots of shade, preferably during the twilight hours when it's cooler. If your pet is suffering from heatstroke, he needs to be cooled as quickly as possible. Submerge him in cool water or wrap him in cool wet sheets. Then, rush your pet to the veterinarian. After first aid, it is very important to seek professional help immediately because of problems that can accompany an elevated body temperature. Help your pets keep cool. Try these five steps to ensure a happy summer: 1) if you must leave your pets in the car alone, leave them at home, 2) avoid over-exertion, 3) shave your pet's coat, 4) place the well-ventilated dog house or rabbit hutch in a breezy, shaded area, and 5) provide plenty of cool, fresh water. McInerny Dog Park has plenty of shade (and water too!) Hawaiian Humane Society's McInerny Dog Park is open noon till 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. There's a grassy area of about one-third acre where dogs run without a leash. Mature trees provide shade for well-placed benches and picnic tables. Play with your dog for just a few minutes at a time — allow time to rest and refresh at the water bowls. "Hot dogs" like to cool off with swim in the waterfall! Bring a towel along and have some hot fun in the summertime with your dog. Happy summer to you and your animal companions. |
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Contact: hhs@hawaiianhumane.org • Telephone: (808) 946-2187 • Fax: (808) 955-6034 Copyright © 2004 Hawaiian Humane Society
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