Summer is about to begin with hot days, warm nights, and plenty of outdoor activities. Pet owners need to be especially vigilant to ensure dogs and cats get the shade and hydration they need. Veterinarians emphasize that if you are feeling warm, your pet is probably feeling warm as well.
Animals don’t sweat the way humans do. Dogs and cats pant to cool off and sweat somewhat through their paws. Since it’s not an efficient way to cool off, it’s important to offer plenty of fresh water and shade for pets on hot days. Access to air conditioning is ideal, and outdoor cats should be kept inside during the hottest part of the day.
Going for walks, playing catch, and just enjoying the outdoors is a big part of summertime with pets, so consider the following tips to ensure your pet is comfortable and healthy throughout the summer.
- Adjust your plans when the day is especially hot. Take that planned walk early in the morning or in the evening after the heat of the day has passed. If that isn’t possible, choose a route with some shade and keep your walk short.
- On extremely humid days, keep a closer eye on your pet, as these conditions can make it harder for them to cool off.
- Consider a summer grooming for dogs with heavier coats but be sure to keep an inch of length to prevent sunburn. Take special care with pets with light-colored ears, as they are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.
- Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, so look for opportunities to walk on grass on especially hot days and avoid black asphalt whenever possible. If you can’t avoid paved surfaces, consider getting booties for your pet.
- Look for cooling body wraps, vests, and bandanas that are designed to keep dogs comfortable by covering the chest area and places with large blood vessels, enhancing their ability to cool off.
Your pet can become dangerously overheated quickly on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, fans and moving air are not as helpful to our furry friends as they are to us, so watch carefully for signs that your pet is in distress.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Anxiety or inability to calm even when lying down
- Weakness or inability to get up
- Deep red gums
- High pulse rate
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, emergency veterinary care is critical, as it can lead to organ dysfunction and failure.
Remember, your pet is as uncomfortable as you are when it gets hot. If you are leaving your pet at home, be sure he or she is not confined to a room that tends to get warm, and never leave your pet in a vehicle even for a few minutes, even with the windows open.
If you have questions about keeping your pet safe and comfortable in the summer heat, contact Lake Cable Animal Hospital, or schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians today.