Protecting your pets from dangerous heat

AccuWeather

Dr. Michael Bailey joins the AccuWeather Network to share crucial information on how people can protect their pets from extreme heat during the summer season.

Transcript

00:00Dr. Bailey, thanks for making time for us today.

00:03Thank you for making time for the pets.

00:05Oh, absolutely. Always time here.

00:07So let's start with some early signs that your dog,

00:10that we could be seeing in a dog or a cat, that they're overheating.

00:12And what's the difference between them just panting

00:14and what could be a dangerous situation?

00:17Well, first thing what you need to know is our pets pant

00:20because that's the way they get rid of their extra heat.

00:23They do not have sweat glands like we do in the body.

00:26So panting allows them to eliminate heat on their moisture

00:29and remember that that moisture is what's keeping them hydrated.

00:34So if they're panting a lot, they are becoming dehydrated.

00:37You can see our pet right there.

00:39Excessive panting, collapsing, lying down.

00:42You look at their gums.

00:43They should be nice and pink and moist.

00:45If their gums are blue and if they are tacky,

00:48that's a sign that they are getting dehydrated.

00:51And remember, hydration, that moisture is what allows them to cool.

00:55Just exactly what you're seeing on the screen right there.

00:57We want to be sure they have moving airflow.

01:01Just like you're seeing the fan, have a safe fan available to them.

01:05But the thing I want to remind people,

01:07heat can be a health disaster just like any other natural event.

01:12And our furry friends are, in many respects, more susceptible,

01:16but no less susceptible than any other member of our family.

01:19So what should pet owners do right away if they suspect heat stroke?

01:24And again, what are some of the symptoms?

01:27You mentioned the dry gums and so forth.

01:31Well, first thing I want to tell everybody is you should always plan on what happens

01:35if you lose power in your house so you do not have air conditioning.

01:38You want to be sure that your pets, if they are panting, if they are collapsing,

01:43if your pet has any medical conditions such as heart disease,

01:47where would you go so that they can get out of the heat?

01:51Have this planned beforehand because Mother Nature doesn't necessarily tell us

01:56when we're going to have those severe heat events.

01:59Water is extremely important.

02:02Remember, pets require 20 ounces or about two cups of water per 20 pounds every day.

02:09Make sure you have a ready, cool water supply for them.

02:12This is how we want to try and prevent any heat stroke.

02:16But if your pet is weak, if they're collapsing, if they are panting excessively,

02:21if you have one of the brachiocephalic breeds such as a bulldog or our beloved Frenchies,

02:27these are animals who are even more susceptible to heat,

02:30and we want to be sure that we're doing everything possible to prevent heat stroke.

02:35All this dog video is amazing.

02:37All right, let's get back to the heat, right?

02:39How hot is it too hot for a walk?

02:42And what about the dangers of hot pavement on our pets' paws?

02:46Okay.

02:46There is really no such thing as what is too hot.

02:50Anything, if it is too hot for us, it is too hot for them.

02:54Our recommendation is if you, all of our pets need to have exercise,

02:58plan your exercise so you can go out in the coolest time of day.

03:02So, preferably in the morning, maybe even in the evening.

03:06But remember, those surfaces, the black asphalt, even the concrete can be extremely hot.

03:12So, what do we recommend?

03:13If at all possible, avoid those surfaces, particularly during the hottest time of day.

03:18I also recommend carrying moist towels so that you can wipe down their paws,

03:24particularly if you had no choice but to walk across that hot asphalt.

03:28Just like we can get blisters, they can get blisters.

03:31So, let's try and keep their pads as cool as possible.

03:35But once again, if it's too hot for us, it is definitely too hot for them.

03:40And I want to emphasize, cars, do not leave your pets or your children in a car,

03:46even with the air conditioning running, because modern cars have a timer

03:50which shuts the car off after a period of time if it's idling too long.

03:54Excellent points here.

03:56Dr. Bailey, any final thoughts on other good ways to keep your pets cool

04:00during a heat wave, indoors or out?

04:03I want to remind folks, plan, just like any disaster, plan.

04:08What are you going to take if you have to go to a cooling center?

04:11You should have a bag.

04:12It should have a leash in that bag so that you can keep control of your pet.

04:16Make sure that you have something so that they can drink water.

04:19Take a water supply with you.

04:22These are the same things you should have in your house,

04:24but when you're trying to rush to get out,

04:26you want to be sure that you have those things readily available.

04:29And check, not all cooling centers will accept your pet.

04:33Check and make sure that a cooling center you might go to,

04:36or even a friend or neighbor's house, make sure that they will accept your pets.

04:41And remember, any place you do go to try and be cool where you're taking your pet,

04:45be respectful because there's going to be other pets in there.

04:48They may not know each other.

04:49Let's be sure we're good neighbors all the time.

04:52Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

04:56I can hear your passion so much.

04:58So a well-deserved title there for you.

05:00Thank you so much for joining us on AccuAther Early.

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