Dog days

MOSES LAKE — Summer is a time of fun in the sun, but for pets it can be very different as the heat can be hazardous to their health. It is important during this time to take responsibility for our furry friends.

Dr. Dick Maier of Pioneer Veterinary Clinic has some advice for pet owners to ensure that their pets are able to stay cool during the hotter days of the summer. First, it is important to make sure that pets have plenty of water and shade, especially when they are exclusively outdoor animals, he said.

“If they don’t mind getting wet and they’ve got space for a kiddie pool that’s always good,” he said. “They can get in and cool down.”

There are certain breeds of dogs that should not be out in the heat for long, particularly the “smush face” breeds like Frenchies and bulldogs who are not genetically built like most other dogs and have a hard time breathing, Maier said.

“They cannot pant well,” he explained. “Some of those (dogs) can overheat very rapidly and it gets to be life-threatening.”

This also goes for older dogs with breathing problems, Maier said. Since dogs lack the ability to sweat other than through the pads on their paws, any issues with breathing will make it nearly impossible for them to keep cool in the head.

For other dogs, as long as they have plenty of water and a cool shaded area they will be fine, Maier said. Even breeds with longer and heavier coats will typically be comfortable despite the fur, he added.

“Dogs adapt and they’re pretty smart,” he said. “During the day when it's hot, they’re in the shade, they’re just sitting there chilling, usually on their sides.”

Owners who plan on taking their dogs on a walk should take the time of day into account, Maier said. Early morning or in the evening is the best for dogs, because the pavement can heat up to 160 degrees on a summer day, which can burn the pads on their feet.

Cats, on the other hand, are a different story.

“Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs and they don’t overdo it in the heat,” Maier said. “So they do really well as long as they find shade and as long as they’ve got plenty of water.”

For all pets, car safety is important. Being stuck inside a hot car for too long is life-threatening to animals, he said.

“Just like children, you don’t want to take them with you in a car unless they are gonna go into the shops or buildings with you,” he said.

On a hot summer day, it can take only 10 to 15 minutes to overheat in a hot car, Maier said. They will be safer at home with their shade and water nearby rather than risking it inside the car even for a short amount of time.

Pets may not enjoy the heat as much as everyone else, so it is important to know an animal’s needs and prepare accordingly to beat out these dog days of summer, Maier said.