North Dakota’s Dangerous Heat Isn’t Over: Here’s How to Protect Your Pets
While this past weekend brought some of the hottest temperatures of the summer, North Dakota isn't getting much of a break. Forecast highs in the upper 90s are expected to stick around this week, and that's still dangerously hot for both people and pets.
If you have dogs or cats, now is the time to take extra precautions. Heat stroke can develop much faster than many pet owners realize, and without immediate treatment, it can quickly become life-threatening.
What Is Heat Stroke?
According to the veterinary website VEG ER for Pets, heat stroke occurs when a dog's body temperature rises above 104 degrees and they can no longer cool themselves effectively. Cats can also suffer from heat stroke, even though many people assume they handle hot weather better because of their desert ancestry.
Unlike humans, pets can't sweat to cool themselves. Dogs rely mostly on panting, while cats cool themselves by grooming and allowing moisture to evaporate from their coats. When temperatures soar, those natural cooling methods simply aren't enough.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Although any pet can develop heat stroke, some are especially vulnerable.
Dogs at higher risk include:
- Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus
- Senior dogs and young puppies
- Thick-coated breeds such as Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with breathing or heart problems
Cats most at risk include:
- Senior cats and kittens
- Flat-faced breeds like Persians and Himalayans
- Overweight cats
- Pregnant or nursing cats
- Cats with chronic illnesses
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
For dogs, early symptoms of overheating include:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Bright red gums
- Restlessness
- Slowing down or refusing to continue walking
As heat stroke worsens, dogs may vomit, develop diarrhea, appear confused, collapse, or even suffer seizures.
Cats often hide illness, making heat stroke harder to recognize. Watch for:
- Excessive grooming
- Panting or open-mouth breathing
- Restlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Collapse
- Tremors or seizures
If your pet reaches this stage, it's a medical emergency.
What To Do If You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you think your pet is overheating:
- Move them to a cool or air-conditioned area immediately.
- Gently cool them with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid ice baths or ice packs, which can actually make things worse.
- Offer fresh water if they're able to drink.
- Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital while you're on your way.
Veterinarians often treat heat stroke with IV fluids, medications, blood pressure support, and intensive monitoring. Unfortunately, severe cases can still be fatal, which is why acting quickly is so important.
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Prevention Is the Best Medicine
The good news is heat stroke is largely preventable.
Here are a few simple ways to protect your pets during this week's heat:
- Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle. Even with cracked windows, temperatures inside a car can climb 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
- Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Avoid hot pavement that can burn paw pads.
- Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water.
- Make sure outdoor pets have access to deep shade throughout the day.
- Consider adding ice cubes to water bowls or setting up a shallow kiddie pool for dogs.
- For cats, encourage hydration with wet food or adding a little tuna water to drinking water, and make sure they have cool places indoors to rest.
With North Dakota's summer heat continuing this week, it's worth taking a few extra minutes to check on your four-legged family members. A little extra shade, water, and caution today could prevent a life-threatening emergency tomorrow.