Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s this week, and the
Seattle Humane Society reminds all pet owners that companion animals need to be protected from these high heat conditions, both at home, and on the road.
Pets left alone in vehicles run the greatest risk of developing heat stroke. Even in Seattle, the interior of a car can hit 160 degrees in less than five minutes- it really isn't enough to park in the shade with the windows cracked. And it is not uncommon for an owner to get distracted and leave a pet waiting longer than was intended.
Heat stroke develops rapidly and can lead to severe problems like organ failure and even death. Pets with shorter noses, like Persian cats and bulldogs, are more susceptible to heatstroke than breeds with longer noses as there is less area for heat to evaporate.
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Dogs and cats do not sweat through their skin," says Brenda Barnette, CEO for the Seattle Humane Society. "They cool themselves by rapid breathing, and when the temperature outside is hot and close to their internal body temperature, it means animals must work hard to stay cool. So when it's hot for you, it's even hotter for them!"
Signs of heat stroke in a pet include heavy panting, agitation, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, staggering, vomiting and a deep red or purple tongue. If an animal becomes overheated, place him in a cool place and apply cool (not cold) water all over his body. Apply ice packs or cold towels only to the head, neck and chest. Let him drink small amounts of
cool water or lick ice cubes and take him immediately to a veterinarian. Don't wait and see if your pet improves, just go.
