Quick Read: Heat Can Be a Killer for Your Cat or Dog

My article in the Withernsea & District Community News

distributed to 9000 homes in East Yorkshire

Poppy’s Pets

The average body temperature of a cat and dog is higher than ours. Both will pant excessively to try and lower body heat as their temperature increases. Panting is one warning sign of heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke is severe, resulting from a dangerously elevated body temperature, and emergency veterinary treatment is vital. The illness can cause severe organ damage or fatalities in just 15 minutes.

The mortality rate for dogs is high but the survival rate is more significant when owners have performed initial emergency first aid before transporting their pet to a vet. Your vet will perform a medical assessment and treat your pet accordingly – survival depends on different factors.

Warning signs for heat exhaustion and heatstroke include:

Excessive panting (open-mouthed for a cat), drooling and thirst
Agitation (barking, restlessness, whimpering)
Disorientation
Lethargic, collapse (activity levels change)
Vomiting

You’ll find posts on social media warning you about heatstroke in dogs, but cats suffer the same fate indoors or outdoors.

GPS cat tracker for your cat (and dog) – with an app
TabCat cat tracker – follow the handset to find your cat

How to keep your cat cool in hot weather:

Keep blinds and curtains closed to block out the sun
If possible, keep a room ventilated
Put extra water bowls around the house so all pets can stay hydrated
Fill a hot water bottle with cool water and lay by your cat.
Squeeze a wet sponge over your feline’s body and wipe the water across the fur.

What is the 7-Second Rule?

Another danger for dogs (and cats) is outdoor hot surfaces. Dogs can burn their paw pads in 60 seconds, resulting in a trip to see a vet.

Press the back of your hand against the ground or sand for 7 seconds. If too hot for you, it is too hot for a dog’s paw pads. The consequence is skin destruction and pain for your dog.

Watch the Video: Showing you the 7 Second Rule and Extreme UK Heatwave (cats, dogs, small pets)

Did you know?

Dogs are at risk of heatstroke in outdoor temperatures of 20℃ to 23℃
It is safer to walk your dog before 8 am and after 8 pm
Animals in any vehicle in the sun or shade with the windows or boot open can still suffer heatstroke
Interior vehicle temperatures can be high on cloudy, hot days
If an outside temperature is 22℃, inside any vehicle will reach 47℃ in about one hour. The outcome: possible death
Always double the outside temperature to find an approximate vehicle interior temperature
Vets have treated heatstroke for dogs left inside caravans, conservatories, camper vans
Driving at hot peak times can be a dangerous hazard for your pet
The old, the ill, and certain breeds are more prone to heatstroke
Cats’ shut-in greenhouses or sheds become a death trap. Check before locking up
It is important to put a bowl of water outside for animals and wildlife

Warning: never soak your pet in ice-cold water if heatstroke is suspected. The reaction of the cold vs. overheated body may shock your pet.

Disclaimer:

I am not a qualified veterinary professional. If you suspect your pet has symptoms of heatstroke, please telephone your local vet as an emergency and follow their advice.

Article published in the Withernsea & District Community News – August 2021

Updated 1st May 2024

About Lesley

Before residing in the Fenland area of Cambridgeshire, my contributions to the Withernsea & District Community News before its closure, reflected my experience in my chosen genre. Following its closure, The Holderness Gazette approached me regarding a column, but having left East Yorkshire from Domestic Abuse, the opportunity was lost.

With a background in volunteering for the RSPCA, one of Britain's longest-running animal welfare organisations, and the Cinnamon Trust, a charity set up to help the elderly and their pets, my experience extends into fostering and adopting sick pets. The care extends to ill-health including pancreatic problems, dementia, kidney failure, thyroid, diet, arthritis and mobility issues that includes improvising to benefit welfare. I've accumulated practical expertise, and
these firsthand encounters underscore my authority and commitment to advocating for pets' well-being.

With the rise in the cost of veterinary care, medication, food, and products for pets, I use methods to obtain free food and products with incentives, or apps to raise money to pay bills, including swapping expensive goods for brands with the same health benefits.

My About page tells you of my pets that appear in articles and YouTube videos, including my ex-partner's dog Teddy, a courageous Romanian rescue dog with 24 hours remaining before his slaughter. Other pets feature including cheeky budgies Ron & Reggie, and Miranda & Emma, donkeys that belonged to my sister and I.

Guest pets and people appear in articles and YouTube videos - Maisie, Roxy, another Romanian rescue & training, Nell, a puppy farmed dog, Save Our Seized Pets and their fight against the Dangerous Dogs Act, Tuks Law, who fight against the unlawful euthanasia of domestic pets, and recently, a new contributor.

Now free of my own domestic abuse and violence nightmare, I'm dedicated to raising awareness of both people and their beloved animal companions with a series of YouTube videos and articles. This commitment stems from a place of authenticity and genuine concern. Anticipate the launch of a new website and podcasts in 2024, where I'll continue championing these causes close to my heart.

I've recently extended my knowledge with Green Living - these include worm composting, bokashi and eco hacks.