How to manage and prevent heat injury—and what you might not know

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

We all love having fun in the sun, dogs included. And some dogs aren’t just playing; they’re seeking lost hikers, partnering with police or training for high-action dog sports. Whether they’re playing or working, though, it’s important to be aware of signs of heat injury and know how to treat it.

You may already know that signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, staggering, bloody diarrhea, collapse, seizures and shock. But what Leo Egar, VMD, wants you to know is how to recognize signs of heat stress early.

Dr. Egar, who practices in Phoenix, has been part of the veterinary medical response to several major disasters and spoke at the K9 Sport and Scent Work Conference in Palm Springs, California, in January.

“We want dogs to be able to tolerate some degree of thermal stress as they work and play,” he says. “Heat stress, or mild heat injury, is a normal reaction to increased exercise or ambient heat.”

When dogs are working or playing, the body produces heat. Thermoregulation is the body’s attempt to balance heat gain and heat loss. A body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit is defined as heat stress; more than 105 as heat exhaustion; and more than 106 as heat stroke.

But the first thing to know is that temperature isn’t everything.

“You cannot predict heat injury based on body temperature alone,” he says. “There’s too much variance between dogs, conditions and measurement methods.”

So knowing your dog’s “normal” is important. For dogs, normal resting temperature can range from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Fit dogs at a moderate activity level might have a body temperature ranging from 104 to 107, depending on individual dog’s metabolism, intensity of activity and ambient temperature.

“This particular range is normal for many fit working dogs during moderate work and has no adverse effect,” Dr. Egar says. “We don’t have a well-defined set point for dogs, but you should know what your dog’s normal is.”

One sign of heat stress to watch for is decreased moisture on nose tissue, caused by dehydration. Dogs who are dehydrated tire more quickly and have less interest in rewards such as treats or play.

Other signs of thermal stress include seeking shade, calming down, limiting movement, resting in place, choosing to sit or lie down, or sprawling on cool ground. If you call them, they might be slow to return to you -- as if saying, “I’ll do it if you ask me to, but I really don’t want to.”

Tongue length and uncontrolled panting -- when the dog is unable to stop -- can also signal heat stress. When that tongue is out long and wide, the dog is maximizing surface and airway area to increase evaporation and heat dissipation.

When you see these signs, take action. That might mean having your dog sit and cool down on her own, or making use of air conditioning or a fan.

Active cooling techniques include hosing down the dog, putting him in water or putting ice packs on him. Armpits are the best places to apply active cooling because they’re less insulated by fur and have a lot of large blood vessels. Ears can also be good, for the same reasons.

It’s OK to cool dogs rapidly, and it’s OK to use cold water.

“It’s a common myth that if you take a hot dog and you cool him too quickly, you’ll cause shock,” Dr. Egar says. “Not true. Not a single clinical study validates that.”

On a hike or during play on a hot day, take a time out so your dog can drink water and stay hydrated. Flavored water may encourage him to drink more, but electrolyte supplements don’t provide any special benefit.

Finally, don’t rely on gadgets such as fans, alarms, or cooling vests or mats. Anything can break, so always check on your dog.

Q&A

Behavior changes

can signal dementia

Q: I inherited my mother’s 15-year-old cat, and I notice that she wanders and yowls in the middle of the night. My veterinarian said pets can get dementia, and this might be one of the signs. Is there anything we can do for her?

A: Your veterinarian is correct. Cats and dogs with dementia tend to show signs such as disorientation (getting “lost” in corners or staring into space); their interactions with people may change -- for instance, maybe your cat doesn’t seek out your lap as often; sleep disruption, such as the night wandering and yowling you’ve noticed; housetraining misses; and changes in activity level. (The acronym to help remember dementia-related changes is DISHA.)

There’s no test for identifying dementia in pets, but veterinarians usually diagnose it after ruling out other health problems that could cause similar signs. For instance, aching knees or hips (leading to difficulty or pain getting in and out of the litter box) or urinary tract infections could cause housetraining issues. Pets with kidney disease or diabetes often have urine that looks sterile under a microscope but may actually be teeming with bacteria. Hypertension (high blood pressure) takes a toll on blood vessels in the brain, which may contribute to development of dementia.

The good news is that diet and medication may help. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides can enhance brain health. Medication is available to control hypertension in cats, lowering blood pressure to safer levels. And a drug called selegiline (Anipryl), which affects attentiveness and the sleep-wake cycle by altering the concentration of brain chemicals, sometimes helps. For pets with painful joints, we have medications that can ease the aches. These changes can help to slow the progression of cognitive dysfunction in pets and improve their quality of life. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Mosquitoes buzz

dogs and cats, too

-- Have you ever wondered if pets get itchy from mosquito bites the way people do? We asked parasitologist Byron Blagburn, Ph.D., distinguished university professor in the department of pathobiology at Auburn University, to weigh in. “We know that cats, for example, suffer from what we call a planar dermatitis,” he says. “That’s the area just above the nose, and it’s a response to an allergy to mosquito bites. Exposed areas of the skin in dogs could likely also exhibit some allergic reaction. So the answer is yes, absolutely. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t presume that pets are irritated by mosquito bites and suffer allergic reactions to them.”

-- When we think of pets being bitten by snakes, it’s usually dogs who come to mind, but cats tangle with reptiles, too. They have an advantage over dogs in their fast-clotting blood, according to a study from Australia, published last month in the journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Rapid clotting ability means cats are less likely than dogs to bleed to death in a matter of minutes. That makes them twice as likely as dogs to survive the bite of venomous snake, researchers found. Another reason: Dogs tend to lead with their nose and mouth, which have many blood vessels that can spread venom quickly. Cats are more likely to swat at snakes with their paws, reducing their risk.

-- There’s a lot to celebrate this month when it comes to pets. It’s Adopt-A-Cat Month, Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, National Foster-A-Pet Month, National Pet Preparedness Month and National Microchipping Month. And don’t forget Pet Appreciation Week (June 7-13) and Take Your Pet to Work Week (June 22-26). Also this month are Best Friends Day (June 8), World Pet Memorial Day (June 9), National Dog Party Day (June 21), and Cat World Domination Day (June 24). -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Chewing and digging are natural bunny behaviors. Here’s how to meet their needs and prevent damage and danger

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’re probably familiar with puppy-proofing or kitten-proofing your home to protect new pets from dangers, and your belongings from damage, but it’s equally important if you have a new rabbit.

Bunnies love to chew and dig -- it’s built into their DNA -- so it’s important to be aware of that and take steps to offer safe and acceptable ways for your rabbit to meet his physical and behavioral needs.

Rabbits can have free run of the house -- but not right away. Just as you limit a puppy or kitten’s access to certain areas until you’re sure she’s housetrained, you need to do the same with your rabbit.

“You have to allow that animal to slowly get the hang of what it means to live inside this house with these people,” says house rabbit expert Mary Cvetan, co-founder of the Pittsburgh House Rabbit Club. “That means, ‘What do I get to chew and not chew? Where can I go to the bathroom and not go to the bathroom? When do I make noise and not make noise?’”

Over time, with kind guidance, bunnies learn what’s OK and what’s not. Part of that guidance is ensuring that they have access to appropriate toys and techniques for meeting their natural needs.

For instance, rabbits love digging up carpeting. Pulling up the fibers of carpet feels natural to them, much like pulling up the roots, leaves, plants and bushes that they would encounter in the forests of Europe, which is where domestic rabbits originated.

Rabbits need to burrow, so give yours a place where it’s OK to scratch and dig. That can be a large, deep cardboard box or large litter box filled with shredded paper or hay. A tough sisal mat that hasn’t been treated with any chemicals will also be something your bunny will enjoy. Place the box or mat in a corner (rabbits like perimeters because they feel safe there, Cvetan says) or on top of the area where your bunny has been digging.

Encourage him to use the digging box or mat by rewarding him with praise and a treat when he uses it. If you see him digging where he shouldn’t, get his attention and redirect him to his box or mat, again rewarding him when he uses it.

Chewing is equally natural to rabbits. Baseboards and furniture legs are right at their level. Even better, those items are solidly in place and offer resistance when chewed. Bunnies like that, Cvetan says.

Choose toys that fulfill a rabbit’s need to pull, chew and toss things. Set them up so they stay in one spot as your rabbit chews on them. Place something heavy on them or set them inside a sturdy base, such as a brick, so they don’t move around.

Tree branches are good “homemade” bunny chew toys. Cvetan gets apple branches from a farmer friend. She knows they haven’t been sprayed with any herbicides or pesticides, and she removes any fruit and leaves and cuts them down to a manageable size, no longer than her forearm. Once they’re weighed down, her rabbits enjoy chewing and peeling off the bark. Not all types of wood are safe for rabbits, so check first with your veterinarian.

Rabbits will also chew electrical wires and cords. Treating them with bitter apple or other taste deterrents doesn’t help. Place cords so they’re off the floor entirely or encased in tough plastic covers.

It’s also important to prevent your rabbit from getting inside furniture. Being prey animals, they enjoy hiding, including inside recliners and box springs. The best and simplest way to prevent problems is to block access to those areas.

“Over time, given the type of house you live in, given the type of rabbit you’re living with, many people find that they can live with free-roam rabbits without having the rabbit destroy items like carpeting or baseboards,” Cvetan says.

Q&A

Urinary tract

disease in cats

Q: My cat stopped using her litter box, and the stain on the carpet where she peed looks pinkish. What’s going on?

A: A number of different diseases can affect the bladder or urethra of cats: cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), various types of bladder stones, the occasional bacterial bladder infection, and, rarely, parasites or tumors. Male cats may develop a urinary blockage, which is an emergency situation. The overall term for these conditions is feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD.

All of these conditions have different causes, but often the signs are similar. Cats may strain to urinate, urinate frequently but produce only small amounts of urine, have blood in the urine (that pinkish tinge you noticed on the carpet) or cry out in pain when they urinate. Like your cat, they may stop using the litter box, perhaps associating it with the pain of urination.

Your cat needs to see her veterinarian so he or she can determine the cause of the problem and treat it appropriately. The bad news is that because it has so many possible causes, diagnosing and treating FLUTD can be frustrating. In addition to a physical exam, your veterinarian may suggest other tests, including a urinalysis, urine culture, X-rays or blood work.

Sometimes, stress is a factor. Managing the cat’s environment and interactions with people and other pets may help. Pain relief is another important part of managing the condition and reducing stress.

Depending on the cause, your veterinarian may prescribe a different food or a switch to canned food from dry. Encouraging your cat to drink more water, by providing a fountain or dripping faucet, can help as well. Certain medications are beneficial, although you may be surprised to learn that antibiotics usually are not part of the program. Bacterial bladder infections are extremely rare. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Feline film fest

for indie theaters

-- Everybody knows cats own the internet, but can they save independent theaters? The Quarantine Cat Film Festival bets that they can. Streaming on June 19, the 70-minute compilation of videos submitted by cat slaves (we don’t dare call them owners) showcases “the most purr-fect, a-meow-zing, and totally fur-tastic cat videos anyone has ever seen.” Tickets are $12, and at least half of the proceeds will benefit independent movie theaters. Cash prizes will go to winners in Cutest, Funniest, Bravest and Most Loving categories, plus a Best in Show award.

-- Labrador retrievers are capable of big things, but 8-year-old Moose has topped them all: He received an honorary doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. Moose, a therapy dog, has participated in more than 7,500 counseling sessions, contributing to the well-being of thousands of students.

-- Scientists have sequenced dog and cat genomes, and now the genome of a feline favorite: catnip. Also known as catmint (Nepeta cataria), the plant with the intoxicating effect on many cats works its magic through a suite of unusual enzymes that generate nepetalactone, the volatile substance that excites cats. “These enzymes are not found in any related plant species and have evolved uniquely in catmint,” says Benjamin Lichman from the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products at the University of York (England), first author of the study. Relatives of catnip -- including basil, oregano, rosemary, lemon balm and mint -- don’t produce these enzymes, called iridoids, which presumably have the purpose of repelling herbivores that might graze on them, not of getting cats high. The research was published last month in Science Advances by a research team led by Sarah O’Connor, director of the Department of Natural Product Biosynthesis at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, Germany. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

If your cat is turning up her nose at meals, here are some possible reasons why

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Cats have a reputation for being finicky, don’t they? A whole advertising campaign was built around Morris the finicky cat. There’s no denying that some cats can be picky about what they eat, but it’s not always because they’re being demanding. Changes in appetite can vary by season or be related to illness.

If you’ve noticed that your cat eats less during summer and more as cold weather starts to set in, well, science backs up your observation. A study published in April 2014 in the journal PLOS ONE looked at 38 cats in the south of France over a four-year period. The cats had free access to food, and researchers observed that the cats ate least between June and August and most between October and February. In spring and early fall, the amount they ate fell somewhere between those extremes.

Changes in daylight and temperature trigger hormonal changes in mammals, altering their metabolism and influencing how much they eat. When it’s hot out, many of us are less active and don’t feel like eating as much. That may well be true for cats, too. As long as they maintain normal weight, they’re probably doing just fine.

Feline taste buds may also be in play. We know that cats have a genetic mutation making them indifferent to foods that taste sweet, presumably because their status as obligate carnivores means they have no need to seek out plant-based sugars. Researchers hypothesized that cats also would have no need for bitter receptors.

What they discovered, though, is that cats have at least seven functional bitter receptors, according to a study published in PLOS ONE in 2015. Those receptors might function to alert cats to bitter compounds in prey -- such as bile acids or skin secretions -- that should be avoided. The researchers suggested that commercial cat foods and veterinary medicines might contain bitter compounds that at least some cats find off-putting. The knowledge may help cat food manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies create foods and medications that are more palatable to cats.

If your cat isn’t eating, you might think, “Well, she’ll eat when she’s hungry.”

Don’t do that!

Just two or three days of not eating can cause cats to develop a potentially deadly liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. Any cat can develop it, but cats who are overweight or stressed are at higher risk. It’s often seen when cats are refusing to eat because of a change in diet, moving to a new home, being boarded or some other stressful situation.

Cats with hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease, show signs such as dramatic weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, vomiting and jaundice -- a yellowish appearance of gums, eyes, and ear and skin tissue. Blood work indicates liver abnormalities and often a deficiency of vitamin K, causing a tendency to bleed easily. Your veterinarian may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to see if other organs such as the kidneys, pancreas or gallbladder are affected.

Without treatment to correct nutrient, fluid and electrolyte levels and reset metabolism, cats can go into liver failure. Sometimes offering some stinky canned food is enough to get them to eat, but in other cases, a temporary feeding tube may be necessary to get nutrition into your kitty and ensure that he doesn’t develop an aversion to eating. When begun early, treatment for HL is usually successful, and the condition rarely recurs.

The takeaway? Any time you notice changes in your cat’s appetite, complete appetite loss, or sudden weight loss or weight gain, take him to the veterinarian for a checkup.

Q&A

Toy joy

for parrots

Q: I just got a yellow-naped Amazon parrot. What are some good toys for him?

A: Parrots are so bright and quick! Toys are a wonderful way to stimulate their highly intelligent brains, give appropriate physical exercise and keep boredom at bay, reducing the risk of health and behavior problems.

Appropriate toys encourage and facilitate natural bird behaviors such as exploring, taking things apart and foraging. Climbing, swinging and perching are important elements of play for parrots. Flexible rope perches are good for climbing, chewing and foot workouts.

Look for puzzle toys that hold food pellets, nuts or treats and require your bird to manipulate pieces to get at the goodies. Known as foraging, this is natural bird behavior and should be encouraged.

Other toys are made with shreddable fibers, paper and other materials your bird can pick apart as if he were foraging for nesting material or investigating a natural environment. Don’t think of these toys as a waste of money if your bird destroys them in a day; they offer foot and beak exercise and physical and mental stimulation. More important, they discourage unwanted destructive behavior and fulfill your bird’s normal needs.

Birds are attracted by movement, bright colors, unusual textures and interesting shapes. Look for toys that twirl, are shiny, can be chewed or make fun noises.

You can make toys from things you have around the house. Finished with that newspaper? Place it at the top of your bird’s cage so the pages fall through the bars and let your Amazon shred it. Birds love to demolish cardboard boxes. Choose one of an appropriate size and let him go to town on it.

Offer several types of toys, and rotate a couple out every week so your bird always has something different to tease his birdie brain. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Quiz can help

identify arthritis

-- Does your cat have arthritis? Answering the following six questions can clue you in: Does my cat jump up normally? Does my cat jump down normally? Does my cat climb stairs or steps normally? Does my cat go down stairs or steps normally? Does my cat run normally? Does my cat chase moving objects? If the answer to any question is no, take your cat to the veterinarian. Approximately 45% of all cats and 90% of cats older than 10 years suffer from arthritis. Pain relief can help improve mobility and quality of life.

-- Not many people are traveling these days, but when they must, people with pets are at a disadvantage if they need to transport their animals to a new home. Canceled flights and limited space for animals in the cabin leave few options. Some are stranded, while others are spending large amounts of money and time to try to get their pets where they need to go. Using pet transport agencies such as Airborne Animals or Pet Express may help, but even those experts are having trouble getting animals on flights. If you need to move with your pet in the next few months, start planning now, and have not only a plan B but also plans C and D.

-- Three animal experts have received top awards from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Robin Downing, DVM, was named 2020 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the year for her work protecting and promoting the human-animal bond. Janice Siegford, Ph.D., professor of animal science and welfare at Michigan State University, won the 2020 AVMA Humane Award, presented to a nonveterinarian who has helped to advance animal welfare. Receiving the 2020 AVMA Animal Welfare Award is equine veterinarian Harry Werner, DVM, in recognition of his advocacy for animal welfare. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.