Hot summer days are perfect for soaking up the sun and relaxing, but don’t forget to make sure your pets are staying cool and comfortable, too! As temperatures rise, it's essential to keep your pets safe to ensure they stay happy and healthy all summer long. Below are the things that will help you know the risks and how to stay prepared on those days when it might get too hot.

Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when a body’s temperature exceeds about 104°F, where the body can no longer cool itself effectively. Heatstroke is caused when the body’s temperature-regulating mechanism is exposed to excessively high temperatures, which causes a series of side effects.

While humans tend to sweat to regulate heat, this is not the case for pets. It’s common for dogs and cats to regulate heat through panting, but when that’s not enough, their body temperature can rise dangerously fast. Signs of heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heart rate, and fatigue, which may lead to more serious health issues, such as organ damage, seizures, and even death if not treated by a veterinarian immediately.

Knowing the do’s and don'ts of pet care on hot days can mean the difference between a happy pup and an unexpected trip to the vet. “I think the most common mistake is just not being aware of the risks and signs of heat stress,” says Nyssa Levy, clinician for the MSU Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Service. But it is so important to ensure our pets don’t overdo their exercise, always have access to clean, fresh water, and have areas to stay cool.” Here are some ways to make sure you are staying prepared this summer.

• Provide plenty of shade and water. Pets can get dehydrated quickly. Having water readily available, along with a shady place to rest, can greatly reduce the chances of heat exhaustion.
• Never leave your pet in the car. During warm weather, the internal temperature of cars can rise within minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade with the windows cracked. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that when it is 70°F outside, your car’s interior temperature will reach 99°F within 20 minutes. If you see a pet left alone in a car, note the license plate number and alert the store management or call your local non-emergency number if the animal is showing clear signs of heatstroke or distress.
• Keep your pets comfortable. If it's hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet. It's recommended to never leave a dog outside for long periods in temperatures above 70°F, especially in high humidity. If hot enough, heatstroke or heat-related illness can happen in as little as 30 minutes.
• What works for one pet may not be safe for another. Factors such as age, weight, breed, and health conditions can all be differentiators in how one reacts to heat. Always tailor your pet’s care to their specific needs, whether that be shorter walks, frequent breaks, or less time outside in general.

Understanding your pet’s limits can give you a better gauge of how susceptible they are to heat. In dogs, short-nosed dog breeds, like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and other bully-type breeds, have lower tolerance to high heat and humidity, as these dogs have small nasal openings and long soft palates in the back of their mouths, limiting their airflow. “Dogs with upper airway issues can be affected as well, such as dogs with a condition called laryngeal paralysis, often nicknamed 'lar par.’ In this condition, the larynx does not function properly, leading to decreased air movement and heat exchange,” says Levy.

Dogs such as Labradors, Huskies, Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers have a double coat of fur, making it thicker than that of most dogs. Additionally, the darker your pet’s fur is, the more heat it will absorb, increasing the dog’s risk of overheating. Having an overweight dog can also lead to heat-related illness as the increased insulation from their fat cells can generate excessive heat, even from mild exercise.

Always adjust activity levels and time outdoors based on your pet’s needs. Knowing your pet's breed, body type, and overall health can make a big difference in preventing heat-related emergencies, and when in doubt, it’s always a great option to play it safe.

Thinking ahead and having a plan in place can make all the difference when the unexpected happens. “Prevention truly is the best medicine for heat-related illness— keep pets inside and limit exercise on hot days,” says Levy. “If you have any concerns that your pet is experiencing heatstroke or any other issues, have them evaluated by a veterinarian right away!”

If you see signs of heatstroke, move your pet to a cool, shaded place immediately. Avoid using ice as it will constrict blood flow; instead, place a cool, wet towel around your pet’s head and neck, wringing and reapplying every few minutes. Fanning your pet can also help promote evaporation, reducing their core temperature. Be sure to provide ample amounts of water and seek veterinary care as soon as possible for proper treatment.

In the event of an emergency, the MSU Veterinary Medical Center’s Emergency Service is open 24/7/365 for both large and small animals. A comprehensive list of emergency clinics near the MSU Veterinary Medical Center can be downloaded here.