Heat Safety For Pets

1. Symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion might include:

Excessive panting

Dizziness or disorientation

Vomiting

Seizure

All of the above

All of the symptoms listed above might be associated with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Death is also a possible result.

Explanation

All of the symptoms listed above might be associated with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Death is also a possible result.

2. Short-nosed pets such as pugs and bulldogs have a harder time cooling themselves.

True

False

Short-nosed breeds have a shorter nasal passage, which means less surface area available for evaporative cooling.

Explanation

Short-nosed breeds have a shorter nasal passage, which means less surface area available for evaporative cooling.

3. The best time to walk my dog is:

Early in the morning

At noon

In the late afternoon

Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest part of the day.

Explanation

Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest part of the day.

4. My pet is better at relieving heat than I am.

True

False

People and dogs both relieve heat by evaporating water from our bodies. People have sweat glands all over our bodies, but dogs have very few sweat glands - mostly located on the pads of their feet. Instead, dogs rely mostly on panting and breathing to evaporate moisture from tongue and lungs. All in all, humans have an easier time in the heat than dogs.

Explanation

People and dogs both relieve heat by evaporating water from our bodies. People have sweat glands all over our bodies, but dogs have very few sweat glands - mostly located on the pads of their feet. Instead, dogs rely mostly on panting and breathing to evaporate moisture from tongue and lungs. All in all, humans have an easier time in the heat than dogs.

5. If my pet is overheated, I should:

Pour cool water over him or cover him with wet towels

Douse him in ice water

Call my pet's veterinarian

A and C

B and C

Do NOT douse your pet in ice water, as that may cause his temperature to drop below normal - which is just as dangerous as overheating! Cool water will help him cool off more slowly and safely. Be sure to contact your pet's veterinarian right away, as heat stroke is a very serious condition.

Explanation

Do NOT douse your pet in ice water, as that may cause his temperature to drop below normal - which is just as dangerous as overheating! Cool water will help him cool off more slowly and safely. Be sure to contact your pet's veterinarian right away, as heat stroke is a very serious condition.