Preventing Animal Heat Stroke in Shelters

Shelter pets are at an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in the warmer months. Shelter workers should recognize the signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats, know what to do if signs are noticed, and implement policies that prevent adverse heat reactions in shelter pets.

Why Heat Safety for Pets Matters

Heat safety matters for all animals, but shelter pets face unique challenges that may increase their risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If a kennel becomes too hot for a pet, they are unable to relocate themselves to a better location. Pets who have an increased activity level due to anxiety or shelter stress are also more likely to overheat.

The following factors increase a pet’s risk of experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a shelter:

• Overcrowding
• Poor ventilation and inadequate cooling systems
• Concrete or asphalt floors
• Fully enclosed or plexiglass kennels
• Metal structures that retain heat
• Lack of access to shade or water
• Direct sunlight (through a window or when outside)
• Outside time during peak heat hours
• Individual pet’s breed, age, body condition, and health status
• Anxiety and hyperactivity
• Inadequate staff training regarding heat safety

Recognizing Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs and Cats

Unlike humans, dogs and cats do not primarily rely on sweating to cool themselves. You’ll usually notice panting when a dog is getting warm. A cat might begin to groom more, seek cool surfaces, or act lazier.

Shelter staff and volunteers should be trained to recognize the early signs of heat exhaustion in dogs and cats. These include:

• Heavy panting in dogs
• Drooling
• Overgrooming in cats
• Lethargy
• Seeking water or shade

Critical symptoms that indicate animal heat stroke include:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Any panting or open-mouthed breathing in cats
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Bright, red gums
• Body temperature over 104°F

Certain types of animals may be at an increased risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. These animals should always be watched closely during hot weather:

• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
• Overweight or obese animals
• Puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old
• Senior animals
• Pregnant animals
• Animals with thick or long coats
• Animals with certain health conditions (e.g. heart disease, kidney disease, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, respiratory disease)
• Animals that currently have a condition causing a fever

Emergency Response: What to Do If a Pet Shows Signs of Heat Stroke

The following is a step-by-step guide to follow if an animal is showing signs of overheating:

• Move them to a cool and shady location.
• Take their rectal temperature. If it’s still under 104°F, proceed to #3. If it is 104°F or higher, or if the pet is showing serious signs of heat stroke (vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, seizures, disorientation, bright red gums), proceed to #7.
• Put them on a cooling pad. The pet should never be placed directly on ice.
• Give them access to water. Have them take small sips.
• Put cool water on their paw pads, abdomen, neck, and armpits. Do not use freezing-cold water. Place a fan so that it blows air on them.
• Monitor their temperature every 5 minutes to ensure it returns to normal.
• If the temperature is above 104°F or the animal is showing serious signs of heat stroke (vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, seizures, bright red gums), you need to take them to a veterinarian.
• On the way to the veterinary clinic, make sure the air conditioning is running in the vehicle. You can use gentle cooling measures like a fan to help cool them on the way. Call ahead to let the clinic know you are bringing in a potential heat stroke patient.

Once the pet has recovered, they should be kept cool for the remainder of the day. Future activity for this pet should be monitored. If heat exhaustion or heat stroke seems to have occurred at a lower temperature than expected, underlying conditions that may increase the risk of heat stroke should be ruled out.

Hot Weather Tips for Animal Shelters

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters include guidelines regarding humane shelter practices, including heating and ventilation. According to these guidelines, housing areas for dogs and cats must allow them to comfortably maintain their normal body temperature. If the environmental temperature is not maintained between 64°F (18°C) and 80°F (26.6°C), the conditions are not considered humane and comfortable for shelter pets. The following ventilation tips can help keep kennels cool in the summer:

• Install an HVAC system that allows you to adjust individual room temperatures.
• Open vents on opposite sides of the room to allow for natural airflow.
• Fans should not blow directly into cages but should be placed to keep air moving across the kennels.
• Keep windows closed on hot days.

For indoor kennels, consider these tips for cooling kennels for pets:

• Elevated beds allow for cool air to run under the bed and prevent heat from seeping through the floor to the pet’s bed.
• Place cooling mats or pads within kennels.
• Frozen water bottles or other containers can be placed in front of fans to help cool air.
• Misting systems can be used to cool incoming air but should not directly mist the animals.
• Ensure every kennel has constant access to cool water. Consider adding ice cubes.
• Give pets frozen treats.
• Digital thermometers should be placed in rooms with kennels to allow for temperature monitoring. Consider checking these thermometers in the morning and during the hottest part of the day.

Hydration Strategies for Summer Safety

Whether an animal is inside or outside, they should always have access to fresh, cool water. Bowls should be sanitized daily. For animals who go outside, water should be refilled with cool water in the morning, midday, and evening. You can usually get away with refilling an indoor cat’s water less often as long as their kennel is kept cool.

Adding ice cubes can help the water stay cool and gives the animal the option to chew on ice cubes if they’re getting hot. You can also add flavored hydration boosters to encourage drinking, though we recommend getting these approved by the veterinarian who provides medical care to your shelter pets. You can also freeze treats in water. This forces the pet to lick the ice to reach the treat.

If you have a shy or stressed animal, make sure they have access to water in a place that allows them to stay hidden. The animal’s comfort and safety should be prioritized ahead of their visibility to the public. For example, if you place a towel over an elevated bed for cats, they can hide under the towel and drink their water there.

By knowing the signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats, putting policies in place that protect pets from heat, and ensuring your shelter is designed to reduce risk, you can protect shelter pets from summer temperature extremes. Don’t forget to enlist the help of experts in developing your plans for summer safety for dogs and cats. Lastly, if you are concerned that an animal is experiencing heat stroke, it is best to speak with a veterinarian immediately.