Stay ahead of the heat with professional advice on cooling, hydration, and more for your beloved pets.
As the mercury climbs and heatwaves become more frequent, it’s crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved pets.
“Just because we can manage the heat and humidity, doesn’t mean our pets can,” said Dr. Aziza Glass, Freshpet’s expert veterinarian. “Our pets are vulnerable to temperatures over 80 F.
High temperatures can pose serious risks to animals, leading to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke. We’ve compiled a list of vet-approved tips and solutions to help you keep your furry friends cool and comfortable during scorching summers. With these pawsitive heatwave
strategies, you can protect your pets and enjoy a worry-free summer together.
This blog will discuss ways veterinarians suggest to keep your furry friends safe during the summer months, including:
- Provide ample hydration
- Create cool retreats
- Avoid peak heat hours
- Providing cooling measures
- Never leave pets unattended in vehicles
- Watch for signs of overheating
- Provide ample hydration
Nutrena states, “For our pets, dehydration can occur more quickly for several reasons. Dog and cat bodies are composed of 75-80 percent water, making them more susceptible to dehydration and its effects.”
Just like humans, pets need to stay well-hydrated to beat the heat. Ensure a fresh and clean water supply is readily available at all times. Consider placing multiple water bowls in different areas of your home or yard, especially in shaded spots. Encourage your pets to drink by adding ice cubes to their water bowl or investing in a pet water fountain, which can help keep the water cool and appealing.
If you are worried about your pet being dehydrated, it’s important to recognize the signs that can be a warning. Vets say the most common signs of dehydration in our animals include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) – The gums do not feel moist to the touch but are dry and sticky
- Increased heart rate
- Weak pulses
- Heavy, dry panting
- Dry, red eyes
- Decreased capillary refill time: Put pressure on the gums with your finger. When they blanche white, remove your finger. The color should return within 1 second. With dehydration, this will be prolonged.
- Loss of skin elasticity (tenting) – With your thumb and forefinger, lift the skin over the shoulders and let go. The skin will drop down quickly; in a dehydrated pet, it will drop slowly or remain “tented”.
- Sunken eyes (severe dehydration)
- Shock (severe dehydration)
- Collapse (severe dehydration)
Create cool retreats
Mark Lougee from Daily Puppy states, “Making a cool area for your dog in your yard doesn’t have to cost a lot and takes little time while ensuring your pet is comfortable in high temperatures and humidity.”
Vets are stressing the importance of designating cool areas where pets can seek refuge from the heat. Set up a shady spot in your yard using umbrellas, canopies, or even a dedicated pet tent. Indoors, create a pet-friendly zone in an air-conditioned or well-ventilated room. Provide comfortable bedding or cooling mats for them to lie on. Remember, pets with long coats or those prone to overheating, such as brachycephalic breeds, might benefit from air-conditioning during extreme heat.
Avoid peak heat hours
“Especially in cities, where hot sidewalks and pavement can burn and blister paws, try to avoid the peak heat in the middle of the day. Set an alarm and walk your dog early, taking the shadiest route possible. Or save the stroll for after the sun goes down. You can also consider buying dog boots to protect your pets’ paws,” said Dr. Lori Teller, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Plan your pet’s outdoor activities strategically. Avoid exercising or walking them during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Opt for early morning or late evening outings when temperatures are cooler. Even during these times, be cautious of hot pavement or asphalt, which can burn your pet’s paws. Test the ground with your hand—if it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for their paws.
It’s also important to take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion in your pet. During the summer season, make sure your pet has ample water.
Provide cooling measures
Help your pets cool down by utilizing these various cooling methods.
- Wet a towel or bandana with cool water and drape it around their neck or body.
- Freeze pet-safe toys or treats for them to enjoy.
- Consider investing in a pet cooling vest or mat, which can provide additional relief from the heat.
- Create a DIY cooling station by placing a shallow pool of water for your pet to wade in.
PDSA states, “Dogs can’t cool themselves down as easily as we can as they’re unable to sweat like us. Instead, they mainly use panting to keep cool. Coupled with their thick fur, which is like wearing an insulated coat, this can make them prone to overheating. We must do all we can to keep our furry friends cool and prevent serious illnesses such as heatstroke.”
Never leave pets unattended in vehicles
The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket within minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Never leave your pets unattended in a vehicle; it can quickly become a death trap. If you need to run errands, leave your pets at home in a cool and safe environment.
RSPCA Pet Insurance notes, “Even if the weather stays mild, cars are made of metal and glass, which absorb heat so that they can heat up quickly at any time of the year. Temperatures inside a car can climb to more than double the outside temperature in minutes.”
Watch for signs of overheating
Be vigilant and learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in your pets. These signs may include excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and collapse. If you suspect your pet is overheated, immediately move them to a cool area, offer them water, and promptly contact your veterinarian.
With soaring temperatures becoming the new normal, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being of our pets during hot weather. By following these vet-approved tips, you can ensure their safety, comfort, and happiness throughout the summer months. Remember, extra care and attention go a long way in protecting our furry companions from the heat. Stay pawsitive and enjoy a fantastic summer with your beloved pets!
Courtesy of Otto, Fox Run Animal Hospital’s texting platform at: Pawsitive Heatwave Solutions: Vet-Approved Tips to Protect Your Pets from Rising Temperatures – Otto
3390 S. Lapeer Road, Metamora, MI 48455
(810) 678-8738