Veterinarians have shared an urgent warning for pet owners as temperatures in the US are expected to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
As people prepare for the heat wave, experts are urging them to be aware of fatal heat stroke in their dogs and cats, which can occur if the animal’s body temperature rises above 45 degrees Celsius.
The overheating can be noticed by abnormal breathing, wheezing, vomiting and confusion, among other symptoms.
Experts at Cornell University say owners should immediately start cooling their furry friend down — by wetting him with cold water and placing him directly in front of the car’s air conditioning while he’s en route to your veterinary clinic.
Vets shared signs of heatstroke in pets and tips to prevent the life-threatening medical condition
The heat wave hit Monday, blanketing the Midwest and East Coasts, where about 72 million Americans live.
Michigan, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania are all under heat warnings starting Monday, with warnings through Friday evening.
The heat will then spread eastward over the course of the week, meteorologists warned in advance – blaming a “heat dome” that is expected to bring high temperatures around New York, Washington, DC and Boston later in the week to hold.
And while people know how to prepare for the scorching heat, experts have shared tips to ease the impact on pets.
“As temperatures rise, keeping animals cool and hydrated is essential to their overall health,” says veterinarian Nora Wineland.
‘While it is important to recognize the signs of heat stress in animals, it is even more important to prevent this stress.’
Cats and dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way as us humans.
We have sweat glands all over our bodies that help us regulate our temperature, but our pets only have a few in their feet and around their noses.
Many animals rely on panting and external cooling to lose heat. Their long, thick coats of hair can also predispose them to heatstroke.
Signs of heatstroke are similar in dogs and cats, with symptoms in cats being more subtle.
Experts say people should look for panting, drooling, restlessness, red or pale gums, bright red tongue and irregular breathing or heart rate.
Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and lying down are also signs.
If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke, take him to a cool place, spray the fur with cold water and turn on a fan.
However, using ice cold water or ice can make the problem worse.
Vets have also urged pet owners to take precautions to keep their animals cool, with damp towels and mats for them to lie on, frozen treats and plenty of water.
Dogs should only be walked for short periods of time during the cooler periods of the day as hot concrete can burn their paws.
And cats can be wrapped in a towel soaked in cold water.
Cat owners can leave bowls of cold water for your cat in places you know he likes to go (stock image)
If you can’t cool your pet down, experts say you should take him to a vet immediately.
Places like Arizona and Georgia already saw higher than normal temperatures on Sunday, as cities like Phoenix and Georgia were hit with temperatures well into the triple digits.
Places like Arizona and Georgia already saw higher than normal temperatures on Sunday, as cities like Phoenix and Georgia were hit with temperatures well into the triple digits.
The Midwest and Northeast appear to be next on the list for pre-summer heat, which is expected to hang over Northeastern Indiana, western Pennsylvania and most of Michigan and Ohio starting Monday, the National Weather Service said Sunday.