As triple-digit temperatures continue across Texas, keeping pets safe from the heat takes a little more attention than simply filling the water bowl in the morning.
Dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly during extreme heat, increasing their risk of heat stress and heat stroke. Whether a pet spends most of the day indoors, enjoys time in the backyard or lives outdoors on a farm or ranch, fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest are especially important during long stretches of hot weather.
Terry Hensley, DVM, assistant agency director for the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and a veterinarian with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, advises pet owners to watch their animals closely as temperatures climb, particularly during the later part of summer when extreme heat can linger for days.
Pets Handle the Heat Differently
Dogs and cats cannot cool themselves by sweating the way people do. They have a small number of sweat glands in their paw pads, but those provide very little relief when temperatures rise.
Instead, pets depend largely on panting, increased blood flow near the skin and finding shady or cool places to help lower their body temperature. When the heat and humidity become too much for those natural cooling methods, an animal can begin to overheat.
A normal body temperature for dogs and cats is generally between 100 and 102 degrees. Heat stroke can occur when that temperature rises above 104 degrees, and at that point, veterinary treatment may be needed quickly.
Dehydration can make the situation worse because the body has a harder time regulating its temperature when it does not have enough fluids.
Fresh Water Is One of the Best Defenses
During extreme heat, pets should have access to clean, cool water throughout the day. Instead of simply adding more water to a partially empty bowl, pet owners should regularly dump the old water, rinse the bowl and refill it with fresh water.
Outdoor water bowls deserve even more attention. Water left outside can become warm quickly, and bowls can be tipped over, become dirty or run dry during the day. Placing water in a shaded area and checking it several times a day can help make sure pets always have something fresh to drink.
Dogs that are active outdoors may need additional opportunities to drink, particularly after walks or playtime. When temperatures are especially high, walks and other strenuous activities are better saved for the cooler morning or evening hours.
Cats May Need a Little Encouragement
Cats can sometimes be particular about where they drink, so keeping them hydrated may require finding what works best for each cat.
Some cats drink more when their water is placed away from their food and litter box. Others may prefer moving water from a pet fountain. Providing more than one water source around the home can also give cats additional opportunities to drink throughout the day.
No matter how they prefer their water, the important part is making sure it stays clean, fresh and readily available.
Outdoor Animals Aren’t Immune to the Heat
Barn cats, livestock guardian dogs and other animals that spend much of their lives outdoors may be better accustomed to Texas temperatures, but they can still become dehydrated or suffer from heat stress.
These animals need reliable shade and plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Pet owners should also remember that a shady spot in the morning may be in direct sunlight later in the afternoon as the sun moves across the sky.
Humidity can add another challenge, particularly for dogs. Because dogs rely heavily on panting to cool themselves, high humidity can make that process less effective and increase the risk of overheating.
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Pet owners know their animals better than anyone, and sometimes the first sign of trouble is simply noticing that a pet is not acting like itself.
Heavy or unusually rapid panting can be an early sign of overheating. Excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, stumbling or unusual tiredness can also indicate that an animal is struggling with the heat.
A pet showing signs of serious heat stress or possible heat stroke should receive veterinary attention as soon as possible. Heat-related illness can progress quickly, and treatment may include intravenous fluids, oxygen and other measures to safely lower the animal’s body temperature.
Help Them Through the Hottest Days
Most pet owners already make sure their animals have food, water and a comfortable place to rest, but triple-digit temperatures make those everyday routines even more important.
Checking the water bowl a few extra times, making sure outdoor animals have dependable shade, limiting strenuous activity during the hottest hours and keeping an eye out for changes in behavior can help prevent a dangerous situation.
Texas heat can be relentless, especially during the final stretch of summer. A little extra attention to water, shade and how pets are handling the weather can help keep the four-legged members of the family comfortable and safe until cooler days finally arrive.
