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Some pets are more vulnerable to heatstroke, or hyperthermia, than humans.

People have a more efficient cooling mechanism than dogs and cats.

“They do not sweat,” said Dr. Tom Del Pico, a veterinarian at Smithville Animal Hospital. “They can’t blow off the heat.”

Cats and dogs cool down by panting, and cats also lick their fur. So, they can get into real trouble when the environmental temperature rises above their normal core temperature of between 100 and 102 degrees.

The Humane Society of Missouri issued a media alert on June 17 advising pet owners to take special precautions this summer because temperatures have already been above normal and near 100 degrees. Heat indices held between 105 and 110 degrees for several days in a row.

Del Pico said animal hospitals will most certainly see deaths this summer from hyperthermia.

However, heatstroke is preventable.

The best place for a pet during the hot summer months is inside with air conditioning. If a pet is kept outdoors, it needs a cool, shady place throughout the day and plenty of water, according to the Humane Society’s press release. Ensure that the water bowl can’t be turned over.

Pet owners should use extreme caution when exercising with their pets. Make sure dogs get plenty of breaks for water. If it is too hot outside, leave them home.

“Never put them in the car,” Del Pico said.

It is inhumane to leave an animal unattended in a hot car, according to the Humane Society. Additionally, if an unattended animal is harmed from being left inside a hot vehicle, charges could be brought against that person, according to the Humane Society. The temperature inside of a car, even with the windows cracked, rises fast and becomes much hotter than the outdoor temperature.

A pet shouldn’t be left in a car when the temperature rises above 70 degrees, according to the Humane Society.

According to the Humane Society, certain breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke due to their short snouts: Persian cats, boxers, Shih Tzus, bull dogs and Pekinese. Other breeds are at higher risk due to their heavy coats, such as shepherds, chows and huskies. Del Pico recommended clipping their hair during the summer.

“Do they look funny? Yes,” he said. “Do they feel better? Yes.”

Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, bloodshot eyes and lethargy, Del Pico said.

If a pet becomes overheated, it is very important to bring its temperature down. Spray the pet with a garden hose, Del Pico said. The owner should take the pet’s temperature and call a veterinarian. If the core temperature goes over 106 degrees, he said it becomes more difficult to save the animal.

“Basically, they go into shock, kidney failure and cardiac arrest,” he said.

THE DETAILS

To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy or distress, the Humane Society of Missouri suggests calling local police first. People can also call the society’s hot line number at 314-647-4400. For more information, visit www.hsmo.org.

Staff writer Kathy Crawford can be reached at 532-4444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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