NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) is predicting a hot, dry summer for most of us, which after the unpredictable and, for some folk, devastating weather events that we’ve experienced over the last 12 months or so, this sounds like a Christmas gift. However, as temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, there are significant challenges we need to be prepared for, especially when it comes to our animals and their welfare needs. As caring animal guardians, a major concern when the temperatures start to rise, is how to make sure that our animals can keep cool and remain hydrated.
Different species have different body temperatures and different heat tolerances. It’s important to know what these are, and how to ensure that your pet doesn’t experience temperatures that it cannot cope with. The normal body temperature in humans is 37°C (98.6°F), but dogs and cats have a normal body temperature a degree or more higher at 38.3 to 39.2°C (100.9 to 102.5°F). This means thaey run hotter than we do but can be come overheated quickly if not given the chance to cool down. If a cat or dog’s temperature has risen above 40.0°C (104°F), this is a significant change that requires veterinary attention.
The other difference between us and our furry companions, is the way that we regulate our body temperatures. Humans mainly rely on sweating and shade seeking, whereas dogs rely mostly on panting and finding cool spots on the floor to help absorb heat from their body, and cats use several methods including licking their fur to aid moisture evaporation (similar to the effect humans get by sweating), panting and vasodilation to dissipate excess heat. Dogs and cats will also, to some extent, make use of their fur coats to reduce thermal radiation – ie block the absorption of direct heat from the sun – however, we’ve got to be mindful that the main purpose of fur is to keep an animal warm!
Some animals are likely to be more at risk than others depending upon their breed, age, conformation, health status, living environment and utility. Dog and cat breeds with flatter noses will struggle to keep cool because they have small nasal openings and long soft palates in the back of their mouths, which limits airflow. They also have a narrower windpipe and have to work harder to take in enough air to keep themselves cool. Animals with dark thick coats will absorb more heat, and dog breeds with thick double coats such as Huskies and Retrievers will find it difficult to regulate their temperature if not provided with good, shaded areas, to keep cool. Exercise is also a risk factor, and on a hot day. It’s better to avoid walks in the middle of the day - and instead reschedule exercise for the cooler early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is lower. Your dog will definitely enjoy the experience more.It’s also important to remember that dogs’ paws are sensitive to heat, so when out walking - if the pavement or sand is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pet.
Age also plays a part in how effective our animals are at keeping cool. Older animals are generally more sensitive to temperature extremes and this combined with any health disorders they may have, makes them more vulnerable to heat stress. Younger animals are also less able to regulate their body temperature, and of course more likely to overexert themselves through playing.
Essential to maintaining your animals’ health and well-being on hot days is making sure they remain hydrated. Access to clean water for drinking (and bathing/paddling) will allow your pet to choose when they need to drink or cool off. How much is normal for your animal to drink will depend on a variety of factors, including their size, activity level and type of diet. Dogs and cats fed a dry diet will need more water, bigger animals will require more and being active is thirsty work!
Most of our pet animals are completely dependent on us for basic resources like water – so making sure that there are plenty of bowls of fresh, clean water at different locations around the property means that animals can always find a water source, even if one becomes empty quicker than you expect. Animals are driven to find water when they are thirsty so be careful that your animal doesn’t end up drinking dirty, contaminated water because that’s all they can find. A well hydrated animal has pink and moist gums, however, if dehydrated their gums will become darker and dry/tacky and they may also have a ‘skin tent’ (a prolonged ‘tent’ of the skin when it is gently lifted and released near the scruff) and sunken eyes. All animals require water, but some of our pets will get warmer more easily than others and so be more prone to dehydration.
Heat stress occurs for animals when they are maintained in a warm/hot, humid environment with inadequate ventilation (such as an unventilated room or car), where there is inadequate shade and drinking water, and due to excessive exercise.
Tips about how to recognize the signs of heat stress and/or dehydration are in the link provided by the SPCA below. https://www.spcapetinsurance.co.nz/pet-insurance/the-good-life/heatstroke-pets
We hope you enjoy the warmer summer weather and keep your pets safe from the effects of the higher temperatures by ensuring they have what they need to remain cool and hydrated, and that you can quickly recognize if they are experiencing problems with the heat so that you can seek professional help.
For more tips about how to keep your other animals on a lifestyle property prepared for a hot summer, see the link below: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/41052-Prepare-your-lifestyle-or-small-block-for-a-hot-dry-summer