RSPCA of SA Inc

Caring for Your Animals in Hot Weather

January 4th, 2007

Heat stress in animals begins when they are unable to maintain their normal body temperature in hot conditions. This can develop into heat stroke and occurs when the animal’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level. Heat stroke, unless treated quickly, can cause permanent injury to vital organs, including the brain, and death.

All animals can become affected by heat stress. Dogs do not sweat and rely on panting to maintain a constant body temperature. Therefore, dogs with short noses such as the Bull Dog, Pekingese, Pug and Boxer are particularly at risk, especially if they become dehydrated and cannot produce sufficient saliva to wet their mouths and noses.

When suffering from heat stroke, a dog will first show an increase in activity associated with panting, barking or whining. The dog will become agitated, often with a worried or furrowed expression. As the heat stroke progresses, the panting becomes excessive and laboured with the dog showing an inability to breathe properly. The dog usually drools excessively and may vomit. If the suffering continues, the dog will suffer circulatory collapse, its gums will appear blue and it will convulse or become unconscious.

Cats maintain their body temperature in hot weather by licking their paws and spreading the saliva over their extremities, which cools their body as the fluid evaporates. Again, if the animal becomes dehydrated it will be unable to produce sufficient saliva.

Birds maintain temperature by panting, which cools their bodies through evaporation of moisture from their airways. Again, without access to sufficient cool water they will overheat quickly.

Livestock varies according to the species. Horses sweat, while sheep depend on their highly insulative woollen coats to prevent heat buildup. If sheep get too hot, they will start to pant. Cattle will actively seek shade in the heat, and keep their noses wet by licking.

HEATSTROKE OR HEAT STRESS CAN BE AVOIDED BY THE FOLLOWING:

1. Never leave a dog or cat confined in a hot house or shed for long periods. Never leave animals unattended in cars! Provide livestock with shade.
2. Always provide copious quantities of cool, clean drinking water. Ensure the water containers cannot be accidentally knocked over. Don’t leave containers or water in the hot sun for pets. Water troughs for livestock should be large enough such that the water temperature does not increase too much and the water remains drinkable. Stop valves should be checked frequently to ensure they are functioning properly.
3. Trim or clip the coat of long-haired dogs and cats, particularly if they are middle-aged or older. Comfort is more important than looks. Freshly shorn sheep must be given shelter from the sun. Horses can be given summer coats, which are thin and airy, but prevent excessive sunlight striking the body.
4. Only exercise dogs in the cool of the morning or evening. Excessive running during the hot part of the day can be fatal.
5. Use the hose regularly to keep the dog cool. Gently hosing on the neck of the dog will quickly alleviate heat stress. Provide a cold water bath. As the water evaporates from the coat the dog cools down - the Coolgardie safe effect!

Remember that in Summer we have to do the thinking for our animals so that they can keep cool. If you are distressed by the heat you can be sure that your cats, dogs, birds and livestock feel the same!

What you can do to help a dog with heat stroke.
It is vital the dog’s body is cooled as quickly as possible, especially the head.

• Place the dog in a tap water bath or hose the dog down. Make sure the head and airways are not blocked. If available, apply ice to the dog’s head.
• Contact a veterinarian as a matter of urgency.
• Transport the dog to the nearest veterinarian wrapped in soaking towels and keep ice packs on its head.

For further information
contact us at the RSPCA

Entry Filed under: Pet care
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