Avoid summer heat hazards for pet safety

  • Published
  • By Adriene M. Dicks
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) --  Some people treat their pets like more than just an animal companion. They exercise with them, and take them to run errands and along on family trips. During summer, it may be necessary to curtail certain activities to keep pets safe from extreme heat.

Extremely high temperatures are dangerous for animals in the same way they are dangerous for people, according to Capt. (Dr.) Lisa Read, a Fort Jackson Veterinary Services veterinarian in Columbia, S.C.

"Animals suffer the same injuries and potential consequences as humans when exposed to extreme temperatures," said Dr. Read. "Heat-related illnesses happen frequently in animals but especially to pets not used to the temperatures or unable to help themselves because they don't have access to shade, water or shelter."

People can dress for the weather. In the summer, people wear shorts, T-shirts and tank tops made of lightweight materials in order to feel more comfortable in higher temperatures. Exposing more skin helps release more heat from the body. But animals are not so lucky. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the only way dogs can rid themselves of heat is by heavy panting and a small amount of sweating through their paw pads.

Dr. Read suggests those who jog with their dogs alter their routines to ensure the safety of their pets.

"If you want to take your dog jogging with you, exercise in the early morning or late evening, said the doctor. “Make sure they have access to water.”

She advises dog owners to closely watch the behavior of their pets during exercise.

If your pet is unwilling to walk or run and is panting heavily, stop immediately and give it fresh water to drink and a shaded place to rest," said the veterinarian. "Dogs that become too hot during exercise will often cool off very well if given the opportunity to stand in a body of water for a few minutes. If that is not available, find a water hose and apply cool, not cold, water to their belly, armpits and groin area. This will help them cool down sufficiently."

Dr. Read said the normal body temperature of dogs and cats is 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. When it begins to rise above 106, it can become dangerous and may cause internal changes resulting in death if not returned to a normal level quickly.

"Our pets can't tell us their mouths are dry or they are starting to feel a little dizzy," said Dr. Read. "We have to be aware of the situation and provide all the preventable measures we can because we don't often know animals are suffering from heat stroke until it may be too late."

The most common visible signs of heat stroke in pets include heavy panting and lethargy. Other signs include elevated temperatures, blood pressure abnormalities, coma and bleeding disorders.

The job performance of military working dogs assigned to security forces squadrons can be affected by summer heat.

"The temperature outside works on the dogs' stamina,” said Staff Sgt. Jemal Jones, the 20th Security Forces Squadron kennel master here. “They get tired quicker when it's hot and may stop searching.

"Imagine that you have to wear a coat while working outside during the summer; that's what it's equivalent to,” he said. “The health of these dogs is the biggest factor in them performing well."

The kennel that houses the military working dogs is air-conditioned in the summer. Also available for the dogs are K-9 cool vests which are packed with ice to cool them off after spending time in the heat. Sergeant Jones said another way to cool the dogs off is by applying cool water directly to their skin.

"Sometimes after working in high temperatures, we cool off the dogs by applying water to their inner thighs," he said. "There is less hair there so they cool off quicker. Also, a major vein located in that area helps carry the cooling affect to the rest of the body."

Whether working or playing, it is necessary for pet owners to limit the amount of time they allow pets to spend in the heat and direct sunlight, and be aware of how high temperatures may affect them.