Vet: Summertime heat a deadly threat to pets

With temperatures soaring into the 90s six of the first eight days of July, the dog days of summer have officially arrived in the Triangle.

Posted 12:31 p.m. Jul 9, 2014 — Updated 6:12 p.m. Jul 9, 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. — With temperatures soaring into the 90s six of the first eight days of July, the dog days of summer have officially arrived in the Triangle.

Pets need special attention this time of year, especially if they spend time outside during the hottest parts of the day.

Dr. Mike Grafinger, with the Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital, stopped by WRAL Wednesday morning to discuss the biggest risks for pets during the summer months.

"We see probably one to two heat stroke cases per week," he said. "The most common causes are dogs that are left in the car and owners taking their dogs on long runs."

Owners who take dogs outside in the heat should watch for excessive drooling, panting and weakness. Dogs who have trouble walking or appear to be in a stupor may be suffering from heat stroke. Read a Q&A on how to prepare pets to handle the heat.

Grafinger said temperatures above 75 degrees can be detrimental to pets.

"Running the dog in the morning or evening is the best way to go," he said. "On really hot summer days, it may be better to just walk them. Overweight, elderly or flat-faced dogs like bulldogs are at a higher risk."

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