By Mary O’KEEFE

With temperatures on the rise it is important for everyone, including pets, to stay hydrated and to know the signs of dehydration and heat strokes.

“I wish people would [realize] how incredibly hot [the interior] of cars can get,” said Dr. James Speas of Crescenta Cañada Pet Hospital.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles.”

Speas said that it doesn’t have to be that warm; if there is not enough air circulation pets can be in distress.

When the temperature outside is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can be 90 degrees. On a day that is 85 degrees Fahrenheit outside, it takes about 10 minutes for the inside to reach 102 and, within 30 minutes, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to 120 degrees.

Speas said owners need to know what the temperature is wherever their pets are, whether inside or outside. This also includes when pets are being walked outside by their owners.

“Surfaces can get incredibly hot,” Speas said.

It is not advised to take pets outside on hot days if it can be avoided; however, if pets are being walked owners need to make sure they check the temperature of the surface on which the pet is walking.

“It’s not a bad idea to check with your hand, or take your shoe off [to check the surface temperature with your foot],” Speas said, adding this is a good way to see how much heat has been retained on surfaces like sidewalks and streets.

The number one sign that a pet is in distress is panting.

“Excessive panting is the biggest sign,” he said.

Panting is a sign of heat distress in both dogs and cats. When pets’ body temperatures rise it affects their neurological system, which can cause depression.

The pet can become lethargic, Speas added.

If pets appear to be overheated, owners can cool them down slowly either in the bathtub or shower or by gently running water from a garden hose over them. But they have to be cooled down slowly; it is not advised to give them an ice bath.

And if the pet has severe symptoms, does not improve after cooling down or if pet parents are worried they should call their veterinarian and/or take their pet in for a checkup.

  heat, pets, safety, Too hot