Over the past couple of months in quarantine, our pets have been getting extra attention, walks through the neighborhood, fetching in the backyard, and joy-rides to pick up our to-go meals. Whether you’re continuing to work from home this summer, exploring the Lowcountry’s parks and beaches, or enjoying a meal on one of the many dog friendly restaurant’s patio, we need to discuss ways to keep our pets safe during these hot and humid summer months.  

As an emergency veterinarian in Charleston, I have seen many patients rushed to Veterinary Specialty Care due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heatstroke is characterized by marked increase in body temperature (>105.8°F) from exposure to a hot or humid environment or strenuous exercise. Animals cool themselves by panting, which removes moisture from their lungs to reduce their temperature. Animals are unable to cool themselves by panting when the humidity is high.  

Increased risk factors of a dog suffering from heat stroke include: strenuous exercise, high environmental temperature, high humidity levels, lack of acclimation to a new environment (pets on vacation, spring), confinement with poor ventilation (cars, garage, dog house), and lack of shade and/or water. Also, dogs that are older, overweight, or have heart disease or respiratory disorders (tracheal collapse, brachycephalic) are predisposed to heat stroke as well. Our “smushed face” dog breeds like bulldogs, shih tzus, and pugs are undoubtably adorable, but they have a higher risk of overheating due to their short, flat muzzle preventing them from panting effectively.  

Initial signs that your pet may be overheated are heavy panting, restlessness, glazed eyes, excessive thirst, and profuse drooling. Patient with heat stroke have progressive signs of lethargy, incoordination, collapse, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), bruising, seizures, or unconsciousness. This marked elevation in body temperature damages multiple organ systems including the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, coagulation (blood clotting) system, and brain. Pets may develop bruising and bleeding, low blood glucose, organ failure, loss of normal barriers from severe infection, brain damage, and death. 

If you think that your pet is showing signs of heat stroke, then immediately start cooling efforts by moving your pet into a shaded or air-conditioned area, apply cool (not cold) water or towels soaked with cool water around the neck, chest, belly, and paws, and using a fan. Do not bathe or saturate them with cold or ice water, as cooling them too quickly can cause serious complications. You should provide them access to cool water, but do not force them to drink it. Then, take your pet to your closest veterinary hospital.  

The best ways to avoid heat stroke is by avoiding exercise during hot or humid days, providing access to fresh, cool water and shade, allowing your pets to slowly adjust to an increase in activity level and offering time to rest, and never leaving your dog in the car alone. I hope these tips are helpful for everyone in your family to enjoy a safe and fun summer!