NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Randall Smith, DVM from Apple Lane Animal Hospital and Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital are both watching for potential heat stroke in dogs this time of year. In fact, Smith has already had a case.
"Little short nosed, muzzled dogs like pugs and Frenchies are susceptible," Smith said. "One was just out playing around in one of these 85 degree days and it was just too much."
It's also important no matter the size of the dog that you don't leave them in a car that is turned off.
"Within less than an hour, your car is going to be 45 degrees warmer than the outside termperature inside that windowed machine," Austin said. "The temperature goes up fast. People think, well, if I leave the windows cracked, it will stay the same temperature as outside and it isn't that bad. That's not the case. It acts like a greenhouse in there with the glass and it gets hot."
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles and temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes on summer's hottest days.
Also make sure that your dog's coat is clean. It will help keep them cool.
"If they are long-haired, medium to long-haired, that coat is dirt free, mat free," Smith said. "These animals, they don't sweat, except for the pads of their feet and the tip of their nose. If you have those hair coats, it doesn't matter the length, as much as the cleanliness."
Before you put your pet in a vehicle, ask yourself if the pet must go with you, if they don't need to, don't take them.
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