Leave Fido home during very hot weather, not in the car, says vet

This week's high temperatures have been difficult for many, especially for our pets.

There have been constant warnings about leaving pets in vehicles during hot days, yet every summer veterinarians see a few cases of animals suffering with heat stress.

• Windsor/Essex County Humane Society warns heat is a danger to pets
• York police get 4 calls for dogs locked in cars in hot weather

Dr. Bernice Heffern of the Gander Veterinary Clinic told CBC Radio's Central Morning Show that animals are likely feeling the heat a lot more than humans.

"Because we haven't had any time to acclimatize ourselves to the change in warm weather, and they're carrying around a fur coat, and a lot of them are carrying a few extra pounds, they find it a little bit worse than what we do," she said.

Heffern said when a dog is panting excessively, they're likely becoming overcome by the heat and their behaviour will often change.

"They may be a little unsteady on their feet, the colour of their tongue might get a little discoloured from the normal nice healthy pink," she said.

"And if you see something like that, you know a dog is starting to feel the heat stress — and that's pretty serious."

Prevention always better than treatment

Heffern suggests leaving a pet at home when temperatures are high, adding an animal can die from heat stroke or heat stress — and it can happen quickly.

"Avoid taking them if you can. If you have to take them, try not to leave them for long periods of course, and you would want to leave your car going with the air conditioning going," she said.

I tried it when it was really hot, and I didn't last a minute with my windows cracked.- Veterinarian Dr. Bernice Heffern 

"If you're leaving the car going, try and find some shade and make sure you have water provided," she said.

Heffern said it's important to remember that temperatures inside a vehicle are hotter than outside.

"I tried it when it was really hot, and I didn't last a minute with my windows cracked. If you've got 25, 26 degrees outside, and you're in a car — in ten minutes that temperature will rise to 35, 36, 37 [degrees]," she said.

​​According to Heffern, certain dog breeds seem to be more prone to feeling the effects of the heat.

"Some of your flat-faced breeds, they will tend to have a little bit more difficulty, and we have quite a few of those. Pugs, Shih Tzus, any dog who's got a flat face," she said.

Keeping your home cool

If a pet seems uncomfortable because of hot weather, Heffern suggests keeping them in a cool area of the house, such as the basement.

"It's usually a little cooler. Anywhere you can provide shade, if you can keep your curtains drawn so that the house is not getting really hot," she said.

Heffern suggests allowing an animal to rest on very hot days. If a pet does need a walk outside, she recommends taking them out earlier in the day, or into the evening.