According to Wikipedia, “Dog days are the hottest, most uncomfortable (humid) part of the Northern summer.”
The expression was originally penned by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to refer to the period of the year marking the rising of the dog star, Sirius, in the constellation, Canis Major. Then and now it means the arrival of the hot, sweltering heat of late summer. It is difficult enough for us, humans, to keep cool in these months of August and September (especially this year), but the heat is truly no picnic for our beloved animal friends. Because dogs and cats do not sweat like we do, heat affects them differently.
Here’s why.
Both cats and dogs cool off through panting, not sweating. When the heat becomes more than they can regulate, pets can suffer heatstroke which can lead to irreversible organ damage and death. Gretchen Schoeffler, DVM, of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine tells us “Pets can get too warm when they’re in a hot place for too long —- or when they overexert themselves.” Schoeffler explains that dogs are more likely to over-exercise than cats.
Schoeffler said, “Dogs have more of a desire to please us, so they run along with us and keep going even when they’re tired or hot.”
The vet also said that certain breeds of dogs and cats (pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats) are at high risk for overheating. Their flat faces are unable to move air efficiently through their nose and mouth. Also predisposed to a higher risk for heatstroke are overweight animals, the very young and the very old, and pets with pre-existing heart or respiratory problems.
Here are preventative measures for you as a responsible pet owner to practice daily.
1. Keep pets cool. NEVER LEAVE your pet IN A PARKED CAR. Summer’s temps or sunlight, even on a cooler day, can increase the temperatures inside your auto quickly, with windows open, as well. If you see an animal in this situation, CALL THE POLICE AT ONCE for a rescue attempt! Always check to make sure that you don’t shut the door and leave your canine and/or feline buddies in a closed, hot, or sunlit environment. Instead, provide a cooled location in your home (air-conditioned or opened window with fan relief and cool flooring away from sunlight). Even a sock filled with an ice pack and placed under a towel can provide kitty or doggy with added coolness as he/she lay down. When they are outside, Schoeffler advises, “Make sure pets have access to shade…”
2. Keep your animal pal inside during the warmer hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must walk your pet then, bring a dish and bottled water along to provide your dog with when it begins excessive panting. “If your dog wants to stop and sit down, pay attention to that. Don’t push pets to do more than they want to do,” Schoeffler said. Remember, hot surfaces can burn their paws at this time, so try avoiding asphalt. Cats may normally become quite sedentary on hotter, more humid days as nature’s way of keeping them cool.
3. Every day, make sure that your animal friend has a cool, clean water source (out of the sun) available at all times. Larger bowls work best for both cats and dogs. Cat drinking fountains are terrific!
4. Fur can aid in keeping your animal cooled, but daily brushing is necessary to allow air to flow through the unmatted fur into its body. Shaving the cat’s or dog’s fur will allow the animal when outside to get sunburn which can risk skin cancer in the future.
According to Will Draper, DVM for WebMD (July/August 2016), the signs of overheating and heat stroke include excessive panting, rapid breathing, lethargy, bright pink ears/hot foot pads, confusion, weakness/inability to stand, shaking tremors, and even seizures. If you think that your furry friend is becoming overheated, it is important to COOL him/her DOWN SLOWLY. Cooling down too fast may cause other problems. Get your stricken pet into the shade outside or air conditioning or fanned airflow inside. WET your pet WITH LUKEWARM WATER under a faucet or a hose. Don’t put your pal in a tub or sink. A very small amount of damp towels may be used, but more importantly, let the AIRFLOW reach his/her body THROUGH HIS/HER COAT OF HAIR. Offer small amounts of drinking water frequently, even placed on the animal’s gums, if necessary.
***As your pet continues to cool down, call your vet for further instructions.
