With the current heatwave, it’s imperative to keep your pets cool. Keep them indoors or at least with plenty of shade, free air, and water. Do not exercise your dog if it’s over 90 degrees. Good rule of thumb is that if you don’t want to be outside or exercise, neither does your dog. And some dogs (yes, I’m talking about you Labradors) will play ball until they drop of heat exhaustion. Please use good sense.
For most dogs, the heat is uncomfortable. But for brachycephalic breeds (short-muzzled like bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, etc.) the heat can quickly become deadly. To release heat, dogs need to pant. Due to congenitally narrowed airways, the heavy panting can lead to swelling and respiratory compromise. Also, they can’t dissipate heat as well. I recently had a bulldog come in with a 108 temperature and her airway was 25% normal. Unfortunately she passed away as we were placing a tracheotomy tube.
And never leave your pet in the car. On days like today, a car can quickly shoot up in temperature. With the windows magnifying the heat, it quickly becomes like an oven. Just take the time to bring your pet home before errands. And if you are in the neighborhood, you can always leave your pet with us for a few hours if needed. I don’t want to needlessly lose another furry friend again.