July 4 – The frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves have increased dramatically in recent decades, with 2023 set to be the hottest year on record globally, according to a 2023 report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As temperatures rise, so do heat-related vet visits, making it increasingly important to know the warning signs of heatstroke in your pets and take informed preventive measures.
Heat-related visits to the vet can result in heat exhaustion and heat stroke, where the animal’s temperature rises so much that it can no longer regulate its own temperature and requires medical treatment.
Owner Dr. Jesse Fallon says heat-related emergency visits to Cheat Lake Animal Hospital have been increasing in recent years, and occurring earlier in the season. He attributes the trend to rising temperatures, more outdoor activities like hiking, and the growing popularity of at-risk dog breeds.
While all pet owners should understand the early signs of heat exhaustion, it is especially relevant to owners of specific types of pets. Older or very young animals, animals with heart or respiratory conditions, overweight animals, and animals with thick coats are all at greater risk for heatstroke. However, the majority of heat-related visits to Cheat Lake Animal Hospital involve brachycephalic dog breeds, also known as “flat-faced,” including popular breeds such as the English bulldog, French bulldog, pug, Boston terrier, boxer, and more.
“They have a harder time moving air, and therefore a harder time maintaining their body temperature,” Fallon said. “Owners with these types of pets should be aware that they are at a higher risk.”
Although pets left in hot vehicles account for a significant proportion of cases, the causes of heatstroke are diverse. Triggers of heatstroke include confinement in a confined space with extreme heat or lack of air circulation, time spent outdoors in extreme temperatures or humidity without rest, shade, and access to cool, clean water, exercise in high temperatures, and exposure to radiant heat from urban areas such as sidewalks or pavement.
Many pet owners were left in a predicament last month when storms left areas of north-central West Virginia without power, sending temperatures in some homes to over 90 degrees. As with all emergencies, you should have a plan in advance for yourself and your pets.
Learning the early signs of heat exhaustion will help you react quickly if the situation ever arises. Excessive panting, lethargy and incoordination, restlessness, lack of interest in play or commands, increased heart rate, drooling, and abnormal gum color are just a few early signs of heat exhaustion before they progress to more serious collapse, seizures, diarrhea, and, if left untreated, death.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most heat strokes resolve, but early recognition and treatment are essential.
“At the first sign that you’re concerned that your dog is overheating, move him to the shade, put him in the air conditioning, give him some fresh water and keep him as cool as possible,” Fallon said. “If you see severe signs, take him to the vet. You’re not going to be able to fix this at home with cooling techniques alone.”
If your pet becomes overheated, avoid offering ice or ice cold water, spraying alcohol on the pads of the feet, draping a wet towel over the pet, and other methods that may affect the pet’s temperature too quickly or limit the pet’s self-cooling methods.
The easiest step toward prevention, however, is avoidance, Fallon explained. Keep your pets out of situations that could lead to overheating. Reserve exercise and time outside for cooler mornings and evenings, make sure your pets have constant access to clean water, shade and air circulation, maintain a healthy weight for your pet year-round and, at the heart of Fallon’s advice, remember that your pet’s safety is in your hands.
“Remember, your pet can’t tell you if they’re getting too hot, they’re not like people, so you have to pay attention to them,” Fallon said. “It’s our job as pet owners to take care of our pets and make sure they don’t get too hot.”
Cheat Lake Animal Hospital sees an average of several emergency visits per week due to the heat of the summer months. Education, preparation, and prevention can help keep your pet off the treatment table, but if the situation arises, don’t hesitate to visit the hospital during 24/7 operations.
For more information, visit www.CheatLakeVets.com.
