CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte paramedics have treated dozens of people for heat related illnesses, and NewsChannel 36 has learned that the heat wave has been deadly for pets across our area.
Veterinarians at Plantation Center Emergency Clinic in Matthews have treated six dogs for heat stroke just in the last three days--including two that didn’t make it and a Yorkie that barely survived.
“That dog literally lingered between life and death for three days and had a lot of intervention,” said Dr. Marty Davis.
Dr. William Cooper is at St. Francis Veterinary Hospital on Park Road and worked with one family who lost their dog last week.
“Their A/C wasn’t working in their house. They came back and their bulldog, it had passed away,” he said.
”The high temps literally cook the organs, including the brain of the dog, so we see a shock-like syndrome when the dogs come in,” Davis added.
Bulldogs and other so-called "smush mouth breeds" typically struggle in high temps but veterinarians said even Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers struggle when it’s this hot.
Vets said the key is preventing dogs from overheating in the first place. If at all possible, keep your dog inside. Don't take walks during the heat of the day and if your dog can't seem to cool down, get to a vet right away.
