Keep pets safe from heat stress/stroke
Friday, June 6, 2014
Keep your pets safe from heat stress/stroke this summer
With the official start of summer just a few short weeks away, Oklahomans have noticed a warming trend. And so have their furry friends.
Pet owners who enjoy spending time outdoors in the warm weather often bring their pets along. Just as a person takes heat precautions for themselves, they should do the same for their pets, said Dr. Elisabeth Giedt, director of Continuing Education, Extension and Community Engagement at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University.
“Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when your pet severely overheats,” Giedt said. “Many people enjoy soaking up some sun, but the heat definitely can take a toll on the human body and your four-legged friends as well. Heat exhaustion can be even more dangerous for animals than it is for humans because they don’t sweat like people do. Dogs rely on panting to cool themselves. If an animal is confined to an enclosed space with poor ventilation, such as inside of a car or garage, it can quickly suffer from heat stress, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”