YORK, Pa. — The start of summer is right around the corner, and people are getting out and about to soak up the sun. This includes their pets, too. Similar to people, our pets are at risk of heat related illness.
Dr. Joshua Weisberg, veterinarian and medical director at Animal Emergency and Referral Center of York, says he’s already seen some cases of heat related issues in animals this year and expects those cases to go up in the coming days and weeks.
A lot of the heat related issues have to do with breathing, and some dog breeds are more susceptible than others.
“French Bulldogs in particular, they’re the most popular breed in the country right now, they have terrible breathing, respiratory systems, and the heat is really difficult on them and some owners don’t realize that,” said Dr. Weisberg.
Other dogs more susceptible to the heat related issues are those with thick fur, older dogs and large breeds like labs or retrievers. One of the first signs you’ll see with these issues is excessive panting. If you see this happening with your dog, Dr. Weisberg says your first step is to try and cool them down.
You can do this by bringing them to the shade or indoors, providing cool water or even hosing them down. If these steps don’t work or they get worse, your next step is to get to a vet.
“If your pet is showing signs of weakness, lethargy, vomiting, they can actually start having neurologic changes, become mentally depressed, even have seizures or tremors,” said Dr. Weisberg. "If you’re not able to cool them off to the point where they seem like their panting doesn’t stop within a few minutes of getting to a place that’s cool, or if you’re seeing them having trouble getting enough air to their gums, they’re turning bluish or pale, those are all signs that you really need to get them somewhere right away."
To avoid a lot of these issues, you and your pet should both start by acclimating slowly to the heat. Get outside for a little bit at a time as we get into these extra hot days. You can also prioritize exercise early in the morning or in the evening when it’s not quite as hot.
If you are taking your pet out to a park or on a drive, Dr. Weisberg stresses that you should never leave them alone in a car, even for just a few minutes. The temperature in your car can quickly climb and become dangerous or fatal to your pet.
Some dogs do enjoy laying in the sun this time of the year. If that includes your dog, Dr. Weisberg says you can let them do so, just keep an eye on them.
“For the most part, dogs, they’re smart. And if they’re laying there in the sun it’s because they’re not feeling hot,” he said. "If they start panting in the sun and having trouble breathing and you really don’t think they’re looking after their best interest, then get them out of the sun."
Dr. Weisberg doesn’t want to discourage anyone from staying indoors this time of the year, but encourages people to get out with their pets safely to avoid any health concerns.