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Heat Stress The dog days of summer are finally here! This would be a good time to discuss Heat Stress. Heat stress occurs when animals are unable to maintain the normal body temperature in hot weather. Unless treated quickly, heat stress can cause permanent injury to vital organs and possible death. All animals can be affected with heat stress, but short nosed breeds, such as Bull Dogs, Pugs and Boxers are more susceptible due to their respiratory tract structure. Heat stress is also more likely in animals with a pre-existing disease, such as cardiovascular disease, fever from infection, obesity and upper airway disease.

What to look for. Initially you will see an increase in activity associated with panting and barking as your dog becomes agitated. As the heat stress progresses, panting becomes excessive and labored and your dog will not be able to breathe properly. Dogs may also drool excessively and may vomit or have bloody diarrhea. If this is allowed to continue, your pet will suffer collapse of the circulatory system, its gums will go blue and it may lose consciousness or die.

Cats achieve heat loss on hot days by licking their paws and spreading the saliva over their extremities. In hot weather a cat may not be able to produce enough saliva to provide heat loss and this is when they become affected. Cats will also pant and become agitated when affected by heat stress.

How to Avoid Heat Stress.

• Never leave a dog or cat confined in a hot house or shed. NEVER leave animals Unattended in cars!
• Provide copious quantities of cool, clean drinking water and ensure the container cannot be knocked over easily. Don’t leave containers in the sun.
• Trim or clip the coat of long-haired dogs and cats, particularly if they are middle-aged or older.
• Only exercise dogs in the cool of the morning or evening.
• Use the hose regularly to keep your dog cool, gentle hosing on the neck is the most effective way of alleviating heat stress.

What do I do if my pet is suffering from heat stress?

• Place your pet in a cool bath or hose it down - place ice packs in the areas of major blood vessels such as the armpits, neck and groin.
• Cover the body with a wet towel and place in the path of a fan.
• Contact and transport your pet to the hospital covered in soaking towels and ice packs as soon as possible.

Your pet can be microchipped! This far out, star trek-like technology allows us to implant a microchip just beneath your pet’s skin. This permanent chip contains a registration number that leads to your contact information should your dog or cat become lost or injured and can not make it home. The microchip is small, about the size of a grain of rice, and does not require anesthetic to be placed. It is a quick and safe way to increase your chance of being reunited with your buddy. It is estimated that greater than 90% of lost pets will not be returned to their owners without proper identification. As an ER veterinarian, I can tell you there is nothing more heart wrenching than having a lost pet come in injured and not be able to get in touch with an owner. This simple and painless procedure can ensure your best friend can be returned to you in a timely fashion.

It's summer, yeah! The sun is shining (sometimes) and it’s a time for picnics, swimming and the beach. This time of year also commonly brings about quick and violent summer storms. Dogs can be particularly sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, electricity in the air and the smell of an approaching storm. Most people have a tendency to shower their pets with attention and coddle them in a soothing voice. Unfortunately, in many cases this actually REINFORCES their fears and makes the anxiety worse!

So what to do? Try not to be tense during the storm. Talk to your pet in a positive and confident manner. Go over basic commands (sit-stay-come). Remember to reward happy, confident behavior. This can go a long way in helping your pet over come their fear.

In severe cases, anti-anxiety medications or sedatives may be necessary. There is an exciting new natural product available to veterinarians that uses green tea that is showing promise in these pets. It is not a sedative and does not have a sedative effect. If you feel your pet is having a problem with thunderstorms or other sound phobias such as fireworks, call the office to set up a consultation. We would be happy to create a treatment plan that works for you and your pet.

Coming Soon! Have no fear, our Client Education Series will return the end of September.