Written by: Dr Sanchez-Emden • August 10, 2023• Pet Health

Easy Tips to Prevent Summer Pet Emergencies

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-induced conditions. Here is a quick list of the most common summer dangers for pets and tips to prevent them.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke develops when core body temperatures rise and stay above a certain temperature. In dogs and cats, this threshold temperature is 106 degrees Fahrenheit, at which they can start convulsing (their normal core temperature is 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Dogs and cats are more prone to heatstroke than humans, since they lack sweat glands over most of their body, affecting their ability to sweat and cool their body. Luckily, heatstroke can be prevented following simple steps:

Never leave your pets outside unsupervised, even if shade and cool water are provided.
Never leave a pet on an enclosed balcony that receives direct sunlight during the day.
Never leave a pet in a parked car, even if the car is in the shade with the windows open. This can develop into a life-threatening condition in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. In Florida, the law allows individuals to break into a stranger’s 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 drunk-like, slow, confused, with extremely red gums and excessive panting, they might be suffering from heatstroke. Rapidly transfer the pet to a cooler 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.

Solar Dermatitis and Skin Burns

Just like humans, our pets are prone to solar dermatitis and burns if exposed too long to the sun’s powerful rays. The most dangerous consequence of sunburns is skin cancer. Treatment requires surgery and, in many cases, further therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy. To prevent sunburn, keep your pet inside or in the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are now elegant sunproof hats and apparel for pets that are stretchy and comfortable to wear. Apply sunscreen (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.

Trauma to Toe Pads

Perhaps the most common heat-related problem during the hot season is burning of the paws. Going for walks on hot pavement, pavers, sand or other ground material that stores heat will cause burning, bleeding and sloughing of the foot pads. This is an extremely painful condition, and many times the main symptom that is seen is limping and/or licking of the paws. To keep your dog’s paws safe, go for walks on cool grounds such as grass. Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day and consider using dog shoes or boots to protect the paws. Special care should be taken in choosing the proper fit to avoid turning and twisting of the shoe. Look for light and comfortable materials so your dog will be more likely to accept the shoes.

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