Keeping Indoor and Outdoor Pets Safe in Extreme Heat

It’s not just for dogs and cats. Goats, chickens and other outdoor animals need special attention in the summer heat.

PORTLAND, Ore. – From cats and dogs to urban farm animal, all Portland pets are at risk during the record-breaking temperatures this week. Doctors at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital have already seen several cases of heat-related illnesses and injuries this summer, and they are urging pet owners to be prepared to keep their pets safe and cool.

“It’s important to realize how higher temperatures may affect pets. Keeping pets cool is crucial to preventing heat stroke and exhaustion,” said Dr. Ladan Mohammad-Zadeh. Understanding your pet’s limitations and taking extra precautions in warm weather may be the difference between a fun day in the sun and a trip to the emergency room.

Tips for keeping dogs and cats safe in extreme heat:

• Never leave a pet in a car. On a mild to hot day, temperatures in a closed car can exceed 120 degrees in minutes, creating a dangerous condition for any animal. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not help.
• Give pets extra water. Hydration is crucial to avoid illness. Whether a pet is indoors or outdoors, fill their water bowls several times a day.
• Protect pets’ paws from hot surfaces. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hands or feet, it is too hot for a pet’s paws.
• Do not overdo outdoor exercise. Often times, dogs do not know when they need a break. Stop frequently for shaded breaks and offer plenty of water.
• Take extra precaution with older dogs and dogs with shorter noses. They are susceptible to higher temperatures and at a greater risk of heatstroke.
• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to your dog. Sunburn can affect pets the same way it affects humans – pain, peeling and skin cancer. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on unprotected areas, like the tips of the ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose. A good rule of thumb for sunscreen: If it is safe for babies, it is safe for your pets.
• Do not leave windows open while pets are unattended. Pets are more likely to fall from windows when it is warm. Do not rely on window screens to keep your pet from falling.
• When in doubt, stay indoors. Avoid spending long periods of time outside during the hottest time of the day.

Know the signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats:

Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly. Signs of heatstroke include:

• Panting
• Vomiting
• Warm and dry skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Staring or anxious expressions
• Collapsing
• Refusal to obey commands

Tips for keeping urban farm animals safe in extreme heat:

Rabbits

• Keep rabbits inside on hot days. But if that is not possible, make sure their outdoor hutch is well-ventilated.
• Keep a close eye on rabbits, especially older ones. They are very susceptible to heat stroke.
• Make sure they have plenty of access to clean, cool water.
• Make sure they have access to shade. String up fabric, a blanket or a tarp to provide them with shade.
• Dampen rabbits’ ears and body with cool water. Do not submerge a rabbit in water.
• Avoid handling rabbits in extreme heat. This could lead to added stress.
• Refrigerate a ceramic tile or piece of marble for rabbits to lie on.

Signs of heat stroke in a rabbit:

• Reddening of the ears
• Panting
• Lethargy
• Salivating
• Weakness/slow movement/reluctance to move
• Seizures or convulsing
• Poor response to stimulus

Chickens

• Make sure chickens have plenty of access to clean, cool water.
• Feed them juicy fruits and vegetables, like watermelon and cucumber.
• Make sure they have access to shade. String up fabric, a blanket or a tarp to provide them with shade.
• Provide an area with dry, loose dirt for dust baths. They’ll wallow down until they reach cool soil.
• Make sure your coop is well-ventilated.
• Mist your chickens with cool water, or provide a gentle sprinkler system or misting system in their yard or pen area. Do not dump water on them or submerge them in water.

Signs of heat stroke in a chicken:

• Continuous panting with wide open mouths
• Pale comb or waddle
• Spreading wings away from the body
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Seizures or convulsions

Goats and sheep

• Goats and sheep are more tolerant to heat than other livestock, but they still require special attention on hot days.
• Make sure they have plenty of access to clean, cool water as they will drink more on a hot day.
• Make sure they have access to shade. String up fabric, a blanket or a tarp to provide them with shade.
• If your goat is comfortable with water, mist or spray their legs with cool water.

Signs of heat stroke in a goat or sheep:

• Continuous panting
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness and inability to stand

Owners who suspect their pet is experiencing heatstroke, or whose pet has fallen from a window, should call their regular veterinarian or DoveLewis immediately. In the meantime, they can help lower their pet’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the pet’s body (the tips and back of the ears, foot pads, belly and inner thighs). Use a fan to help cool the animal while they are wet. Even if the pets seems to cool down, it is still imperative to visit a veterinarian immediately as temperatures often spike again or cool below a safe, normal temperature. Please note: Avoid completely immersing a pet in water, since heat cannot leave the body as effectively in this situation, and extreme changes in body temperature are dangerous to the pet’s health.

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