Pets of the Kawarthas

The Dog Days of Summer

By Susan Porter Dunkley, Peterborough Humane Society

As we enter the Dog Days of summer, it is important to remember to leave your pets at home if you can’t keep them safe. It can’t be stressed enough that it can be fatal to leave your pet in a hot car, even for 10 minutes.

Dogs have no sweat glands, so they can only cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws. A dog’s normal body temperature is about 39C. A temperature of 41C can only be withstood for a very short time before irreparable brain damage or even death can occur.

If you see an animal you think is in distress, note the license plate and vehicle information and ask managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately. Then call the police (911).

It is illegal for the public to break a window to access the vehicle. Only the Peterborough Police or the OPP can do so.

Symptoms of heatstroke in pets include exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting), rapid or erratic pulse, salivation, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of coordination, convulsions, vomiting and collapsing.

If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke. Immediately move them to a cool, shady place, wet your dog or cat with cool water and fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This will cool the blood, which reduces the animal’s core temperature. Do not apply ice (this constricts blood flow, which will inhibit cooling) but allow the animal to drink some cool water or to lick ice cream if no water is available. Take your animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.

The summer is a wonderful time to enjoy your pet and the beautiful Kawarthas. Make sure to do it in a way that is safe for both you and your pet!