Dangers: Overweight or obese dogs, large breed dogs, those with heavy muscling (pit bulls, boxers), or those that are brachycephalic (i.e., smooshed-nosed dogs like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and pugs) are predisposed to overheating due their poor ability to dissipate heat. Dogs with health problems like laryngeal paralysis (an airway cartilage abnormality that results in loud, noisy breathing or a change in bark) are also predisposed to heat stroke. Any dogs carrying tennis balls in their mouths are also at risk because their airway is blocked, preventing adequate panting and cooling.

The most dangerous temperature is often 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the presence of 70 percent or 80 percent humidity. At this temperature—and higher temperatures—less evaporative cooling and heat loss take place so the body is unable to cool itself well through panting.

Cats and dogs inside closed cars—even with the windows slightly open—that are exposed to direct sun face a dangerous risk of heat stroke. Even when the temperature is as low as 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 20 minutes, resulting in death in less than an hour.

Clinical signs: Signs of heat stroke while exercising: constant panting, slowing down, collapse, dark red gums, little urine production (or very concentrated, yellow/brown urine), and lethargy. Pets with heat stroke frequently have body temperatures greater than 108 degrees Fahrenheit, which often leads to permanent organ damage (kidney failure, bloody diarrhea), altered clotting (disseminated intravascular coagulation), or death.

Treatment: If any of these signs occur, it is imperative for pet owners to cool their pets immediately in a pond or pool and immediately call their veterinarian. Treatment includes rapid whole-body cooling with cool water baths (not ice), fans, cold towels, and alcohol applied to the paw pads. Aggressive therapy with IV fluids, IV protein (colloids), electrolyte and blood glucose monitoring, plasma transfusions, urine output monitoring, and supportive care are necessary for survival.

Prognosis: Good if treated early and before the body temperature has reached critical levels. Prevention is key—pet owners should carry a water bottle and offer fresh, cool water frequently to their dog, and to keep their pet wet and cooled during walks in hot weather if possible.

Halloween is great fun and excitement for kids and adults, but may be stressful or frightening for your pets. You know your pets best as their owner, but please consider these tips to ensure your pet’s safety.

Repeated visitors in flashy dress and costumes can be unsettling for some pets. They may develop stress-induced diarrhea or even cause themselves injury if crated or otherwise isolated. Keep all of your animals safe and comfortable on Halloween.

Watch your pet’s reaction to strangers in costumes. When animals feel nervous or insecure they can unexpectedly display aggression or skittish behavior, even in normally calm and friendly animals.

Candles and Jack-o’-lanterns within a pet’s range are a fire hazard. Many pets think they might enjoy all of the candy available this time of year. Chocolate, and plastic or cardboard candy-filled toys can be dangerous if ingested.

Keep all of your pets inside around Halloween unless under direct adult supervision. Animals, especially black cats are at a greater risk for cruel treatment by some individuals during this time. Many adoption agencies and humane societies will not allow adoption of black cats around Halloween for this reason.

Trick or Treat?!

Please advise children not to share their goodies with the family pet.

All chocolate is toxic to pets. It is fair to say that a large pet would have to ingest a large quantity of milk chocolate to create a dangerous level of toxicity. But small amounts of baking chocolate or cocoa can easily cause vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of chocolate toxicity include nervousness, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, please contact us immediately.

Other candies also pose a danger if ingested. Any candies with plastic or cardboard parts (lollipops, plastic/candy rings, etc.) can cause intestinal obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Sometimes we can’t help but dress up our pets in costume for halloween or other holidays. While this is cute for photos, a pet in costume should NEVER be left alone or unsupervised.  Freon is shown below, with a bumble bee costume that actually considers the following tips:

• Tight elastics on costumes can be overlooked if lost in the pet’s hair, leading to swelling and pain in the area of the elastic.
• Other animals, if left alone in costume, may chew it up and swallow it, which may also lead to intestinal obstruction.
• If the costumed pet escapes or is frightened away, the costume could entangle the pet on trees, fences, etc.

With a little awareness and common sense, Halloween can still be a great time for kids and pets alike. If any acts of animal cruelty are seen or suspected, please call your local animal authorities.