Dr. Sharmon Gilbert, DVM

Summer is a time to enjoy and celebrate, but the heat and activities of summer can pose some threats to our pets.  We will consider heatstroke and some other safety issues.
Hyperthermia or heatstroke occurs when the body temperature reaches over 104 degrees F. A body temperature of over 106 degrees F can be deadly.  Dogs only sweat on the pads of their feet.  They mainly cool themselves by panting.  Working dogs can be at risk for heat stroke on a warm sunny day where there is little shade and water.  The threat can increase for a dog who may have other health problems like obesity, old age, short faces (pug) or heart or lung conditions.  Even normal activities on a warm day can be dangerous to these pets.  Leaving a pet in a parked car is a terrible idea, even with the windows down a bit.  The temperature in a parked car can rapidly reach over 140 degrees.  Signs of heatstroke are: Noisy panting, large bright red tongue, red or pale gums, thick saliva, weakness or staggering, diarrhea and vomiting, weak pulses and coma. 
If you suspect that you pet has heat stroke remove them from the hot environment and into the shade.  Make sure there is plenty of air circulation around them.  If possible take their temperature rectally to confirm.  There are many things that may mimic heatstroke.  Wet the pet with cool or luke-warm water.  Too cold of water may cause blood vessels to constrict and decrease how much the pet actually cools.  Rubbing alcohol on the pads of the feet can also be used.  Check the rectal temperature every 5 min and stop cooling procedures when the temperature is about 103 degrees.  You may cover your pet as they can become too cold.  Call and take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.  This can be an emergency.   The doctor will continue to cool the dog if necessary, start IV fluids and monitor for shock, and other organ disease.  Blood tests may need to be performed.
To prevent heat stroke provide shade and water.  Keep a careful eye on pets that may have complicating conditions listed above.  They may need to remain in the air-conditioning rather than attend outdoor activities with you during the heat of the day.  Make sure when you are out working that you have water for your working dog too.  Let them rest in the shade and you may even get them wet.  A dark colored dog can become hotter out in the sun than light colored dogs, and dogs with white noses and ears can sometimes become sun burned.  Try to exercise with your pet in the morning or evening when it is cooler.  Never leave your dog in a parked car.  If your dog is kenneled outside make sure there is shade, especially in the afternoon when it is warmer and that water is always available.   Do not leave a dog muzzled so that they can not open their mouth wide and pant.  Remember your pet when you do summer activities that your pet does not normally do and plan accordingly with a little common sense.
Traumatic injuries seem to increase in the spring and summer.  We are outside more and doing activities and our pets are with us.  Keep your dog on a leash and train it to come when you call and to drop when you say down.  This will help keep it safe and out of the road.  Cats are safest inside, but they too can be on a leash with a harness.  A fenced in yard is safest for a dog, and could help your cat too.  A fence not only prevents your dog from leaving your yard and avoiding many dangers, it also prevents wandering dogs from coming into your yard and fighting with your dog or cat.  Also, good fences make happy neighbors.  Remember when playing sports that your pet should be out of the way of balls and other heavier objects that may be hit or thrown. Your dog should not ride in the back of your truck unless it is kenneled or cross tied in.  Even if your dog is trained to stay in the back, it can come out if you are rear ended, in another sort of accident, hit your brakes hard, swerve, etc.  If tied, cross tie so your dog can not fall or jump out and be drug. Don’t tie your dog’s leash to your truck or car or horse trailer.  People have done this and forgotten they were there and drug them.
When leaving home with your dog remember to take some of your dog’s regular food and check out where you are going for any thing that may concern your dog.  Many dogs can suffer from stomach and intestinal upset if their food is abruptly changed, so take their regular food.  Shun the impulse to feed your pet table food while camping or while having a party.  If you do, they may pay for it later and you may be cleaning up a mess. Ask your guests not to feed your dog from the table.  If traveling to a different state, check the heart worm and flea status.  You may need to have your dog on a heart worm or flea preventative.  In our area you may also need to use a tick preventative.  Take water for your pet to drink when camping.  It is safer for them, just like it is for us.  Don’t forget any medications your dog regularly takes when you leave home and don’t give your dog medications without checking with your veterinarian first.