Medications can add to heat related illnesses
Extreme heatwaves can trigger heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but health experts say some people on specific medications can be more prone to these types of risks.
Fox – Seattle
- Signs of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting, vomiting, disorientation and drooling, according to the American Kennel Club and American Animal Hospital Association.
- Pet owners should keep their pets in air conditioning during hot days if possible. When not possible, shaded or the coolest area in a place is recommended.
- Cool and lukewarm water is recommended over ice cold water to avoid shrinking blood vessels and generating more internal heat, according to the American Kennel Club.
With a heat wave hitting Michigan this weekend and early next week, furry friends and family without sweat glands might need some help to cool off.
As pet owners watch for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, vomiting, disorientation and drooling, here are five ways they can help keep their pets cool:
1. Stay indoors or in the shade, if possible
The most important thing to keep dogs cool on hot days is to stay indoors or in the shade, according to the American Kennel Club. In places without air conditioning, the AKC recommends going to the coolest part of a building, such as the basement.
The American Animal Hospital Association says never leave pets unsupervised outside or in a parked car on hot or sunny days.
It is especially important to keep dogs and cats of breeds with short snouts as well as those that are elderly, obese or have heart or lung disease in air conditioning except for short outdoor bathroom breaks, according to the AAHA.
2. Water and frozen treats
Make sure your pets have drinking water available, and let them drink as much as possible, the AKC recommends.
Hot days are also a great time to freeze chew toys and make dog-safe ice pops, according to the AKC.
Toys like Kong have a hole in the middle to pour water, chicken broth, wet food or peanut butter to freeze.
3. Cool or lukewarm splash
Dog owners can pour cool water over a dog’s head or place a damp towel for him or her to stand or lie on as a way to keep cool.
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends using lukewarm water rather than cold water because the latter can cause dangerous blood pressure changes.
“You don’t want to put anything ice-cold onto a dog, because that shrinks the blood vessels and actually generates more internal heat,” according to the AKC.
The AKC recommends cloths made specifically of chamois, like those used to dry cars at a car wash.
4. Rubbing alcohol
If your pet seems to be showing signs of heatstroke, the AAHA says applying rubbing alcohol on a pet’s paw pads can help cool them down.
Rubbing alcohol behind a dog’s ears or on its stomach can also help, the AKC says, because alcohol has a faster cooling effect than water and can draw out heat.
5. Cooling vests
Pet owners can buy cooling vests to wet and place on their animal to help them stay cool. Many are lightweight and deflect sunlight and heat.
Stores like PetSmart and Petco and websites like Chewy and Amazon sell vests with prices ranging from $19 to $70.
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