Heat Wave Proves Deadly For House Pets, Especially Dogs
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The heat's not only dangerous for humans, it's also proved deadly for some pets.
As Mike Schuh reports--only one species is really at risk in this weather.
Exotics, like these penguins at the zoo, can hop in their pool. Elephants can spray water, or create sunshade with dirt or mud.
But house pets in the heat are a different story.
Two weeks ago, an owner brought an overheated dog into the vet. That dog didn't make it.
Among house pets, cats rarely have heat issues.
"They are lazy. And they do calm down and don't do much, not that they do much anyway, when it gets hot outside," said Dr. Ron Sand, Falls Road Animal Hospital.
But dogs?
"The dogs have a difficult time cooling off. They don't sweat like we do. They rely on panting," Dr. Sand said.
So, you can call dogs friendly, loveable, loyal. But, sorry to say, they aren't the brightest when it comes to this kind of heat.
"Dogs will run through a brick wall if there's a bone on the other side. Dogs will tend to overdo it," said Dr. Sand.
The other problem with dogs is they don't show it when they're in danger. They lie down and pant.
At this dog center in Mt. Washington, they have kiddie pools. A good answer for an outside dog during these days of summer.
If you think your dog is overheating, take them outside and douse them with water.
