Pet World: You can train a dog not to put things in his mouth
Training, combined with growing maturity, will help him learn that not everything needs to go into his mouth.
Dear Cathy,
I always see dogs panting to cool themselves via evaporation from the tongue. What do domestic cats do to cool themselves? I have not noticed any particular behavior.
–Steve, Atlantic Beach, New York
Dear Steve,
Dogs and cats have a few sweat glands (mostly in their paws), but they are not as efficient as human sweat glands, so both animals pant when overheated or anxious. It helps them cool off or relax.
For the most part, cats are mostly inside and not running around in their yards or taking walks in the neighborhoods, which is why you probably haven’t seen one panting before. But it’s important for pet owners to know that both dogs and cats can overheat, pant, and die from heatstroke.
If you ever observe a cat panting, wheezing, or having trouble breathing, even if it is stress or heat-related, call a veterinarian immediately to determine if it is a medical emergency. Because panting is rarer in cats, it also may signal a health problem, like asthma, respiratory infection, heartworm, or heart problems.
So, for the most part, not seeing a cat panting is a good thing. But cats do pant to cool themselves off when needed, just like dogs, and for many other serious health problems.
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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)
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