Warmer weather is coming to Charlotte. Here’s how to keep your pet safe in the heat
Warm weather means more opportunities to spend time outside with your pets, but the spring and summer months can be dangerous for them.
According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, at least 59 pets died from heat-related causes last year, up from 31 in 2020.
“When the temperature gets hotter, people really need to keep things like this in mind about their pets,” said Melissa Knicely, communications manager for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care & Control unit.
As temperatures rise, pet owners should pay more attention to their animals and look for symptoms of heatstroke. Here what you should know to keep your pets safe:
What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?
If your pet’s body temperature exceeds the normal range of 100-102.2 degrees, they can experience heatstroke, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Symptoms include:
Excessive panting
Excessive drooling
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness
Lack of coordination or stumbling
Sudden collapse
Seizures
If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, the AAHA advises taking them inside for a cool drink of water. If their condition does not improve, take them to a veterinarian.
The best way to protect your pets from heatstroke is to make sure they have access to fresh water, shade and shelter, Knicely said.
Which dog breeds have more issues with heat?
Studies show that flat-faced dogs and those that weigh more than 110 pounds tend to be more vulnerable to heatstroke. Breeds that are at higher risk of overheating include:
Chow chow
Bulldog
French bulldog
Greyhound
Springer spaniel
Golden retriever
On hot days, these breeds should be kept inside an air-conditioned home, except for short for outdoor bathroom breaks, according to the AAHA.
Why is it not OK to leave pets in vehicles when it’s hot?
It’s never safe to leave an animal in a parked vehicle alone during the warmer months, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
“In the spring and summer, when temperatures are starting to get up into the 70s, it’s going to be too hot for your pet to stay in the car for any amount of time,” said Knicely.
The interior of a vehicle parked in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in 20 minutes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. A parked car with the windows cracked heats up almost as fast as a car with the windows rolled up, according to the AVMA.
Should people walk their dogs when it’s hot?
On hot days, it’s best to limit exercise with your dog to early morning or evening hours, according to Knicely.
“That’s going to be the coolest time of day,” she added. “We’re very lucky in Charlotte because we have beautiful greenways all over, and a lot of them are shaded. That’s a really good place to go in the summer.”
Knicely also emphasized the importance of keeping dogs off of concrete or asphalt to avoid burning their paws. She suggested that dog owners walk their pets in the grass if possible, and carry water so they don’t get dehydrated.
Are there any ways to groom a dog to prepare for hot weather?
It’s OK to trim your dog’s hair for warmer weather, according to the ASPCA, but consult with a veterinarian before giving them a “summer cut,” Knicely said.
“All breeds are different,” Knicely said. “For instance, the Siberian husky has a double coat, and that coat helps protect them in the summer, so shaving it down would be worse for them.”
Dog owners should also brush and bathe their dogs frequently, since clean fur allows for better air circulation, the ASPCA says.
