Data and advice on hyperthermia, dehydration, and burnt paw pads in dogs

Photo: Valdis/Adobe Stock

With the summer months comes the risk of pet overheating. According to data from Trupanion, a cat and dog health insurance provider, June, July, and August see an increase in claims for heat stroke, dehydration, and burnt paw pads.¹

Hyperthermia

Trupanion North America data revealed that claims related to hyperthermia, also known as a heat stroke, are 297% higher in the summer months compared to the rest of the year, with claims peaking in July in the past 3 years. Hyperthermia-related claims average approximately $1,664, but the highest claim was for $18,130 in August 2023 for a Golden Retriever in Colorado.¹

Educating pet owners about the risks of leaving pets in high temperatures is a crucial step to helping ensure animal companions stay safe and healthy during the summer heat. It is important to notify pet owners of the dangers of leaving pets locked in hot cars in the summer months, even when the windows are down. Because pets regulate their body temperature differently from humans, relying on panting to cool down instead of sweating, they are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather.¹

Signs of a heatstroke in dogs include rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red—or white or blue in severe cases—gums and tongue, rapid heart rate, hot skin, hyperventilation, and shock. These canines may also become hyperactive and struggler to maintain their balance.² Veterinary treatment may involve hospitalization, administering intravenous fluids, conducting blood tests to assess organ function, and prescribing medications as needed.¹

“Limiting exercise during high temps is a good precaution, because many pets will overexert themselves,” advised Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA, ACVCHM, and Trupanion general manager, in a news release.¹ “It’s also important to know your pet’s breed and their specific needs. Some breeds, such as brachycephalic breeds, which are breeds with flat muzzles like bulldogs and pugs, have a much lower heat tolerance because the restricted airflow makes panting less effective.”

“If you want to cool your pet down, don't use ice or cold water on their bodies as this can cause shock, and don't use wet towels draped over their bodies as that can trap in the heat. Use cool water and apply it to the groin, armpits, and feet to help gently lower body temperature and let them sip cool water. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get them to the veterinarian for care immediately,” Rose continued.¹

According to Trupanion, the top 5 states for heat stroke or hyperthermia claims in the United States that the company received are¹:

• Florida
• Texas
• California
• New York
• North Carolina

Dehydration

Claims related to dehydration at Trupanion show a more even distribution throughout the year given that dehydration can be caused by various risk factors unrelated to heat like vomiting, according to the company.¹ However, these claims increase by 19% during the summer compared to other times of the year. From 2019 to 2023, the highest frequency of these claims occurred in June. On average, each claim amounts to about approximately $483. Additionally, the highest claim recorded was $9,843, involving a small mixed-breed dog in Ontario that was hospitalized for vomiting and anorexia, in July 2022.

The top 5 states for dehydration claims among Trupanion pets in the US are¹:

• Florida
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• Colorado
• New York

“During heat waves, always ensure that your pets have easy access to fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration,” said Rose in the news release.¹ Symptoms of dehydration include dilated pupils, irregular pulse, muscle tremors, lethargy, and uncontrollable urination or defecation. If not treated, the dog can collapse or become comatose.²

Burnt paw pads

Trupanion has observed peak claims for burnt paw pads in July over the last 3 years. The highest recorded claim was $1,450, which occurred when a small mixed-breed dog in Nevada suffered burnt paw pads in July 2022.

Rose provided advise for keeping canine companions’ paws safe from the heat. “Protective shoes for pets can shield paws from hot pavement and hot sand, and keeping pets cool with cooling pads, and providing shaded areas in the backyard that are raised off of hot surfaces are all excellent precautions against high temperatures,” explained Rose in the release.¹

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