Your Car is an Oven!

Article provided by the American Animal Hospital Association

Everyone knows that the inside of a car on a hot summer day can be lethal. But Fido needs you to know more than that to keep him safe in the deadly sun. Days above 90 degrees, especially with high humidity, are inherently dangerous for your pet. Humidity interferes with an animal’s ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.

The shape of an animal’s nasal passages can contribute to a tendency to overheat. Brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it’s more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities. Age can also be a factor in an animal’s tendency to overheat—very young animals may not have a fully developed temperature regulating system, and older pets’ organ systems may not be functioning at 100 percent, leaving them prone to heat-related damage. Cats are generally better at regulating their body temperatures and avoiding overheating in the first place. But don’t be fooled without appropriate shelter and water, they too can overheat.

Cracking the windows doesn’t cut it

So where are the danger zones? The most obvious is your car: It can become a death trap even on a mild sunny day and can insidiously raise the car’s temperature to well above 120 degrees! Never, ever leave your pet inside the car. If Fido can’t come with you when you get out of the car, leave him at home. What are some other dangerous situations for your pets? Leaving animals outdoors without shelter is just as dangerous as leaving them inside a hot car. Be sure they are not left in a cage in the hot sun, on a chain in the back-yard, or outdoors in a run without sufficient shade or air circulation.

Their lives are in your hands

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower your pet’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again, with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the veterinarian’s care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.

Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm’s way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot, dog days of summer.

Update: Have a Heart

Our fund is growing well, thanks to the generosity of our clients. For those who have not heard of this fund, let me take a moment to explain our goals. As veterinarians and animal lovers, we hate to see an animal suffer due to lack of financial ability on the part of its owner. While we cannot possibly provide care for everyone that asks, we hope to be able to assist pet owners who are in a true monetary crisis. Each case will be considered individually, with the doctor on the case having the discretion to use the fund. We also will use this money to provide basic preventative care for the numerous strays we care for each year. All animals that we adopt out from now on will be spayed or neutered, heartworm or feline leukemia tested, and vaccinated (if appropriate for the animal’s age). We will contribute doctor and staff time at no charge to the fund, but will charge our supply cost through the fund. This is just one way that we can contribute to our community and help strengthen the bonds people have with animals.

Many of our clients have contributed to the fund in memory of their own pets or those of their friends.

Contributors during this past quarter include:

* Debbie Kalski
* Tena Stewart
* Diane Disse
* Rosemary Good (monthly contributions) and Kim Buel (in memory of Maugie).

We have also had some suggestions for other ways to raise money (see the article about the July Fourth parade). Mrs. Hughes (mom to Ruffles, Gemini and Kirk) is going to contribute crafts to sell to benefit the fund. Ms. LaFave (Gretchen and Lynette’s mother) has donated time and fund raising experience to help us get the concept off the ground. She has also offered to host a fund-raising party this summer. Receptionist Jennifer has put many hours into generating ideas for managing the fund. We are still in the embryonic stages of this, and would greatly appreciate any ideas that anyone has. I think everyone agrees that this is a good idea, and I have been so encouraged by the excitement it has generated. I always knew we had the kindest clients around, and this has just proven that to me. Thank you so much to everyone.