Caring for your Pet in Hot Weather
Animals in Automobiles - 10 Minutes to Disaster
Dogs and cats cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws. On summer days the air and upholstery in vehicles heat to high temperatures making it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Temperatures in a parked car, even if left in the shade with windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill your pet! On a 25 degree Celsius day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 32 degrees Celsius, while the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach a whopping 71 degrees Celsius in minutes. PETS DIE IN HOT CARS! LEAVE YOUR PET SAFE AT HOME!
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Exaggerated panting (or sudden stop of panting), rapid or erratic pulse; salivation; anxious or staring expression; weakness and muscle tremors; lack of coordination; tongue and lips red (which may eventually turn bluish); convulsions or vomiting; collapse, coma and death.
Emergency Treatment
If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke follow these instructions:
- immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place
- wet the animal with cool water
- fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This process will cool the blood, which reduces the animal's core temperature
- do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow, which will inhibit cooling
- allow the animal to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if water not available)
- take the animal to a Veterinarian immediately for further treatment
If you witness an animal in a vehicle that seems to be in distress and the Owner cannot be located, call the RCMP, SPCA or local Humane Society, IMMEDIATELY!
Caring for your Pet in Cold Weather
Animals and pets should be brought inside if the temperature dips below freezing, unless a proper shelter is provided such as a barn, shed or dog house. Most dogs are not suitable for outdoor life and any short haired or toy breed should not be housed outdoors even if provided with a shelter. They are unable to adjust to climatic extremes - nor can puppies, elderly dogs or sick animals. They should also have sweaters on while outside. Long haired dogs should have fur trimmed from paws/pads to avoid ice and snow collection. Petroleum jelly may be used on pads for further protection. Matted coats do not insulate well so fur should be brushed. Watch for frostbite on ear tips, tail and foot pads. Ice on the body and shivering are symptoms, and affected tissue turns red, then pale, and finally black.
Shelters need to be sturdy with a floor which is 1-2 inches off the ground. It walls are built so they touch the ground, such as in a dog house, a pocket of air is left under the shelter that acts as insulation. Placement should be against your home or under a patio deck, not out in the open. They should be situated so driving rain or wind cannot blow directly inside. Doors or flaps keep out the cold as well. For dogs, walls should be 1 1/2 times longer than the dog and 1 1/2 times taller, measuring from the ground to the animal's shoulders. Bedding is also needed. Clean straw or hay 4-5 inches thick is usually best as it allows moisture to evaporate and it retains warmth, unlike blankets, rugs, etc. which retain moisture. If you have allergy concerns regarding hay or straw, please speak with your animal's vet. Restraining ropes or chains should be at least 20 feet long unless there is danger of tangling. Remember to keep a check on collars for proper fit.
Additional food is needed for outside pets to provide enough calories to maintain proper weight. Animals kept inside may need less food as exercise may not be as readily available. Water for outside animals should be supplied constantly to avoid dehydration. It should be kept in deep, dark colored plastic containers as the depth slows down freezing time and dark colors help absorb heat from the sun. Dishes should be kept ice free. Metal dishes should never be used as tongues will stick to them!
Keep pets away from rock salt as it burns their paws. If they walk through it, wash feet immediately with warm, soapy water. Also keep pets away from Antifreeze as a very small amount will kill cats and dogs. Immediately take your pet to a Vet if it swallows antifreeze. Only very quick action will keep your pet alive. Another tip is to hit the hood of your car several times in case a cat has crawled up inside to seek warmth from the vehicle engine.
In the case of livestock, if adequate grazing food is not available provide supplementary food. Enough moisture will be available to avoid dehydration as long as there is soft, fluffy snow on the ground, or if food has been provided that has had a chance to absorb rain or snow.
Horses need covers if exposed to cold, harsh weather. A place of shelter is a must, as well as for goats.
Providing animals with adequate food and shelter is simple. When you feel the need to turn up the heat or add extra blankets, your pet could use help keeping warm too.
If you have any concerns about an owner providing enough food, water or shelter for their animal(s) please call your local SPCA or Humane Society.