Beat the Heat

Tips for helping your pets stay cool this summer.

​​

• Ensure all animals have access to fresh clean water at all times.

• All animals should have access to shade. Shade can be provided by planting trees, putting up a shade cloth, or providing adequate housing. 

• Some pet(s) dogs in particular enjoy having a pool of cool water to lay in or a mister to get under during the hot part of the day.

• Other animals may benefit from a fan or a frozen water bottle to lay against. 

• Long haired animals may need an appropriate hair cut to help them get through the summer. If you aren't sure you can manage on your own make an appointment with an experienced groomer. 

• Don't walk pets on hot concrete or asphalt. If you can't put your hand on the pavement and keep it there for 5-10 seconds it is too hot for your pet's paws. Paw pads may feel rough but they can blister and burn just like your skin.

• Limit exercise time to the cooler parts of the day, avoiding the hottest temperatures in the afternoon typically between 12 am - 3pm.

• Some dogs may not realize they are over heating during play so be sure they drink plenty of water and take breaks to cool off.

• Encourage hydration with frozen treats or by putting floating treats in the water for your pet to bob after. Ensure that the water dish is appropriate size for your pet so they do not accidentally fall in and drown. 

• Some animals have sensitive skin and will need pet safe sunscreen. During the hottest months even animals without sensitive skin may require sunscreen on sensitive areas such as the nose, belly, ears, and tail.

• Ensure all pool areas are fenced away from your pet as they may seem like an attractive option to cool off in the heat. Unsupervised pets drown in pools every year. 

• NEVER LEAVE A PET IN THE CAR. Even with a window cracked the summer air is too hot to leave a pet in the car. In 70 degree weather the temperature inside your car can rise to 120 degrees in 90 degree temperatures it can reach excess of 160 degrees. It takes less than 10 minutes for your pet to die of heatstroke when locked in a hot car. 

​

​

Heat stroke is a very serious condition. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke you need to move them to a cool area immediately and contact a veterinarian. You may place cool not cold cloths on your pet's head, neck, and chest to help bring down their temperature. Cold clothes may decrease circulation and cause more harm than good. Pets may suffer all or just a few symptoms of Heat Stroke and any suspicion should be addressed immediately for the safety of your

pet. Failure to treat heat stroke may lead to serious injury or death. 

 

Signs of Heat Stroke:

• Excessive panting

• Extreme salavation

• Racing heart

• Hight body temperature

• Glassy Eyes

• Red or Purple gums 

• Vomiting 

• Distress

• Collapsing or Staggering

• Siezures

​

​