Animal safety experts say pets not efficient at regulating body heat

Two disturbing cases of dogs being left in sweltering cars, with one dying, has animal safety experts speaking out. 

Marie Holowaychuk, specialist in emergency and critical care at the University of Guelph’s veterinary college, said dogs and cats are unable to sweat to relieve the symptoms of intense heat. They’re limited to panting and releasing small amounts of heat through the pads on their feet, she said.

While humans can experience several warning signs before heat exposure becomes dangerous, she said animals don’t have the same luxury.

Within minutes of being trapped in a hot, airless space, Holowaychuk said animals can experience severe gastrointestinal issues that quickly escalate to multiple organ failure.

By the time an animal is experiencing convulsions or other neurological side effects, it’s often too late.

Pet owners should be mindful of this when considering bringing their pets in the car, she said, adding leaving windows open does little to alleviate the animal’s suffering.

“It’s kind of like a greenhouse effect. There’s no circulation, even with the windows open, that temperature can go up over 40 degrees in a matter of minutes. There’s just no way for that dog to escape that heat.”

Michael O’Sullivan, chairman of the Humane Society of Canada, also cautioned animal lovers to adapt their day-to-day routines to reflect the outside temperatures.

Dogs may love their daily walks, but they’d be both safer and happier staying at home on truly sweltering days, he said. All pets will require extra servings of fresh, cool water when the mercury climbs, he added.

Pet owners who expect their animals to take walks, play or even relax outdoors in scorching conditions would do well to consider things from a fresh perspective, he said.

“Imagine trying to do any of those activities while wearing a sweater, and within five minutes you’d know exactly what animal is going through,” he said.

Despite frequent admonitions, the message too often falls on deaf ears, he said.

Brad Dewar, agent with the Ontario SPCA, said the public shouldn’t hesitate to get involved if they see an animal in distress, urging people to contact either police or a local animal welfare agency.

Sweltering heat isn’t the only threat to an animal, he said, adding even days that feel comfortable for a human can prove too much for an animal trapped in a car or tethered on a sidewalk.

One simple message, he said, can help prevent future tragedies — when in doubt, leave your pet at home.