Hot dogs and cool cats, how to keep pets safe during extreme heat

A Winnipeg veterinarian is sharing tips on how to keep pets safe during the hot summer days as well as what to watch for with heat illnesses in dogs.

"You want to avoid walking in the middle of the day, the hottest part of the day," says Dr. Ingrid Sproll, a Veterinarian at Winrose Animal Hospital in Winnipeg. "Bring water with you. During the really hot days, keep the walks a bit shorter so if you normally go for 45 minutes, perhaps keep it to half an hour."

Winnipeg is currently under a heat warning with the humidity reaching 37 degrees on Thursday afternoon and 40 degrees on Friday. 

"In your backyard, little kiddie pools you can fill up for your dog to help them cool off as well."

Dr. Sproll says there are certain signs and symptoms to watch for that notify owners their pet is experiencing heat exhaustion. 

"One of the earlier signs would be excessive panting. Dogs don't sweat like people do, they can only sweat from the bottom of their feet. They can cool their bodies through panting. An increase in panting is an early sign."

At this stage, Dr. Sproll says people should move to a cooler area and give the dog water to drink. 

"In the later stages of heat exhaustion, then we're looking at vomiting and diarrhea, collapsing or just stumbling around when walking. Those would be signs that you want to contact your vet right away."

Certain dogs are more susceptible to experiencing heat illnesses. 

"For people who have short-nose dogs, like pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers, even little shih tzus, those dogs are more sensitive to heat stroke. Dogs that are northern breeds, like huskies that have a really thick coat, would also be susceptible to heat stroke."