- Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency
- Tips for Traveling by Air with Pets
- Tips for Traveling by Car with Pets
Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency
By Rhonda Ross, REACH Hospital
Humans and animals respond differently when they get too hot.
Humans are able to sweat to cool themselves; dogs and cats cannot sweat and must rely on panting to make themselves more comfortable. Panting isn’t a very efficient method of cooling off when it gets very hot and/or humid, however, and as a result, dogs and cats can overheat. With dogs this is especially true if they are overweight, have a thick coat, have heart or lung problems, or have a short muzzle.
If your companion animal is overheating, s/he will usually appear sluggish and may not respond to you. His or her tongue and gums may be bright red and very dry, and s/he may be vomiting or having diarrhea. He or she may also have an unusual breathing pattern, panting very hard, or have a high heart rate. Heat stroke in animals is very serious and can be life-threatening. If your animal has been exposed to elevated temperatures and exhibits any of these signs, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.
Animals that overheat can develop kidney problems, bleeding disorders, and brain damage very rapidly, sometimes within a few minutes. As a result, an animal can go into a coma and die. On the way to the veterinarian, cool your animal down with wet towels, by spritzing him/her with cool water, or by providing ice chips for him/her to chew if s/he is conscious.
(Note: these measures are not substitutes for medical treatment.)
Heat stroke is preventable. When the weather is warm, your companion animals must have access to plenty of water and should not be left outside for long periods. If you must leave your animal outside, make sure that s/he has a cool, shady area in which to rest.
Additionally, if you exercise your animal, do it in the early morning or late evening – not in the middle of the day when temperatures are at their peak. And NEVER leave your animal in a car, even if you leave the windows down. Your furry friend could die of heat stroke in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
Remember the factors that increase an animal’s risk of developing heat stroke: water deprivation, excessive humidity, obesity, excessive exercise, cardiovascular disease, and lack of acclimatization to the temperature. Don’t forget, your companion animal relies on YOU, so take good care of him/her and enjoy your summer together!
If you have questions regarding heat stroke, talk with your veterinarian or call REACH Hospital, 665-4399. Visit www.reach.petplace.com for articles on summer emergencies, preventive health care tips and much more!
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Tips for Traveling by Air with Pets
- Never transport a pet younger than eight weeks.
- Don't travel with pets when temperatures are below 40 degrees or above 80 degrees at either your departure city or destination.
- Try to avoid connecting flights.
- Purchase a shipping crate approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Label it "Live Animal" in large letters on the top and sides.
- Place your name, address, phone number and destination securely on top of the crate.
- Exercise your pet before putting him in the kennel.
- Don't feed your pet for six to eight hours before the flight.
- Line the bottom of the kennel with some type of bedding to absorb accidents.
- For trips over 12 hours, put a plastic bag containing dry food on the kennel. Include feeding instructions for airline personnel.
- Secure the latch, but don't lock the crate. In an emergency, airline personnel may need to get inside.
- Don't put the pet's leash in the kennel. It could fall out or accidentally strangle your pet.
- If your pet will be traveling as carry-on baggage, let the airline know. The pet must fit into a kennel that will be placed under your seat.
- If your flight is delayed, let the crew know you have a pet aboard. Ask them to inform the captain as well.
- Check with your airline for their rules about pets.
Tips for Traveling by Car with Pets
- Before taking a long trip, give your pet some experience riding in a car. Starting with short trips can help prevent car sickness.
- Try to leave plenty of time between feeding and traveling, particularly if the animal is not used to car trips. Waiting six hours or more will help prevent car sickness.
- Give your pet lots of water to avoid dehydration.
- Make frequent stops so your pet can exercise and relieve himself.
- Don't let dogs lean out the window of a moving car. Flying objects or insects can cause eye and nose injuries. It's best to use a dog seat belt while driving.
- Your pet should ride in the car, not in the back of a pickup truck or inside a camper or trailer.
- To avoid pet theft and heat exhaustion, never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Temperatures inside can reach 160 degrees within minutes, even with open windows.
- If you're traveling with a cat, bring a litter pan with litter! Always keep the cat in a carrier.
For more information, contact your local auto club.
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Pet-friendly Accommodations Etiquette
If your journey's itinerary requires an overnight stay along the way at a pet-friendly accommodation, there are a number of tips to consider:
- Reserve a ground floor room to make bathroom runs easier.
- At check-in, inquire about areas to walk your pet.
- Cover any furniture and beds your pet will be allowed on.
- Place litter boxes in the bathroom to make clean up easier.
- Avoid leaving your pet alone in the room. Even the best-behaved pets can bark and become destructive when in a new environment. If your plans require you to stay for a longer period of time, inquire about local pet sitters or pet day care. If your pet's demeanor is such that you are able to leave them alone for a short period of time, be sure to alert the front desk. It also may help to put the TV or radio on to keep your pet comfortable, and place a note on your door indicating that your precious pet is inside.
- Keep your pet leashed and refrain from taking them into the lodging dining areas.
- And of course...always clean up after your pet’s bathroom runs.
Re-printed with permission from www.bootsnall.com.
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