Dogs suffering in high temperatures
LAWRENCE - As the triple digit heat continues, Lawrence residents are doing all they can to protect themselves, but there's more you can do for your pet during the dog days of summer.
A local groomer we spoke with says she's seen several cases of pets suffering from heat exhaustion. "If you can imagine putting on a coat and walking outside barefoot, how long would you want to stay outside dressed like that?" That's the question Pawsh Wash owner Amber Nickel says every pet owner should ask themselves before they take their four-legged friend outdoors. The sweltering heat can do a number on humans, but when it comes to dogs, she says there's a thin line between a minor issue and a major issue due to high temperatures. Just this week her staff at Pawsh Wash had to help a dog that suffered a heat stroke during a grooming session.
"We've been seeing a lot of really sensitive paws that have clearly been exposed to the heat of the concrete too much, that are red and hot themselves," says Nickel. "Their pads are sensitive to the temperature, that's how they sweat. So if their pads are super hot, that inhibits their ability to cool themselves down."
Signs that a dog is too hot include rapid breathing and panting, lethargic behavior, and incessant drooling. There are a handful of products similar to what humans use to protect your pet, from dog sun screen to frozen snacks. "The frozen meat treats are great for dogs," says Nickel. "Even having that frozen treat helps lower their body temperature."