Written by: Dr Sanchez-Emden • August 8, 2019• Pet Health

The Most Dangerous Conditions in August

The most dangerous month of the year for pets in South Florida is August. As temperatures and humidity rise, our pets are especially prone to life-threatening heat and sun-induced conditions. The good news is that these conditions are preventable. Here is a quick list of the most common August dangers for pets and easy tips to prevent them.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke develops when the body’s core temperature rises and stays above its normal temperature. In dogs and cats, this threshold temperature is 106 degrees Fahrenheit (their normal core temperature is 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit), at which point they can start convulsing. Dogs and cats are more prone to heatstroke than humans since they lack sweat glands over most of their body surface, affecting their ability to sweat and cool their bodies. Pets with flat noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Persian cats, are more prone to heatstroke even in slightly warm temperatures, since their nasal structures are not efficient enough for cooling the body effectively. Black animals absorb and maintain the heat in their bodies more readily, making them more susceptible. Luckily, heatstrokes can be prevented by following a few simple steps:

Check the weather report daily so you can plan how to keep your pet safe while you are at work.
Never leave your pets outside unsupervised, even if shade and cool water are provided.
Never leave a pet in an enclosed balcony that receives direct sunlight, leaving no place for the pet to escape the heat.

Lastly, never leave a pet in a parked car, even if the car is in the shade with the windows open. Leaving a pet in a parked car can develop into a life threatening condition in as fast as 5-10 minutes. In Florida, the law allows individuals to break into a strangers car if an animal is in obvious respiratory distress inside the locked car, the owner is not close by, and a 911 call has already been placed.

If you find your pet walking with poor coordination, slow, confused, with extremely red gums and excessive panting, he or she might be suffering from heatstroke. Rapidly transfer the pet to a ventilated area, apply wet towels (not ice) to the neck, inguinal and axillary areas (where the blood vessels are closer to the skin), and call the closest emergency veterinary clinic to notify them that a heatstroke patient is on the way.

Solar Burns

Pets are prone to burns if exposed too long to the sun’s powerful rays. White animals will suffer the worst burns since they lack enough skin pigment to protect their skin. Likewise, animals with short fur have less protection of the skin. Hairless areas such as the nose, ear flaps, and belly are especially susceptible. The most dangerous solar related condition is solar dermatitis. It is seen in animals that have had excess exposure to the sun throughout their lifetime. They develop chronic skin ulcers and scales that facilitate the development of skin tumors, such as squamous cell carcinoma. This is a highly aggressive skin cancer that is too common in pets. Treatment requires surgery and in many cases, further therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy. To prevent sun ray related skin conditions keep your pet inside or in complete shade when the sun rays are strongest, from 10 am – 3 pm.

For pets with light-colored coats who enjoy laying in the sun for a few minutes daily, there are sun proof hats and apparel that are stretchy and comfortable to wear. Apply sunscreen for dogs (SPF 15 or above) on the hairless areas, mainly on top of the nose and ear flaps. Avoid any sunscreen that contains zinc, since it can be toxic if your pet licks it off.

Heat Burns to Toe Pads

Going for walks on hot terrain will cause burning, bleeding and sloughing off of the foot pads. This is an extremely painful condition, and many times the first symptom that is seen is limping and/or licking of the paws. To keep your dog’s paws safe, you may want to place the back of your hand on the ground for 10 seconds. If it is too hot for you, is too hot for your pet too. Go for walks on cooler turf instead, such as grass. Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day, and consider using dog shoes to protect the paws.

August is an enjoyable month of outdoor fun in South Florida for all, including our pets. Proper care should be taken to avoid an emergency that potentially could be fatal. Have fun with your pets and keep them safe!

Dr Sanchez-Emden is the founder of the Animal Health and Rehab Center in South Miami. She has been practicing veterinary medicine for 25 years. As a Certified Veterinary Journalist, she is the resident veterinarian for Telemundo. She authored the book “CHIHUAHUAS: How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend”. She also hosts the podcast show “Hablando de Perros y Gatos con Dr Marta” available at the main internet platforms. Follow her her blog, drmartavet.com, and on social media @Drmartavet on You Tube, Instagram and Twitter. Also find her at Facebook.com/dr.sanchezemden and animalhealthrehab.com

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