06/22/2021
Is it hot? Do your pets feel like they need to cool off?
Summer is the time to have outdoor fun with our pets. Longer walks in the park – the sun is shining and the outdoors is calling! But hot weather can also make us uncomfortable and poses special risks for dogs. From increased exposure to ticks and other insects, to sunburn and even heatstroke, all sorts of things can go wrong for your pets in the summer.
Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises and follow our tips for summer safety for your pets.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do; they drink water and pant to bring down their body temperature. Watch for symptoms like heavy panting, dry or bright red gums, thick drool, vomiting, diarrhea, and wobbly legs, as these are signs of them overheating and possible heat exhaustion. If this does occur, move them to a cool place, give them a drink of water, and put a damp towel over their body. Don’t place in cold water, as that can put them into shock.
Give your pet a shady spot to hang out on hot days or keep them inside where there’s air-conditioning. Doghouses are not good shelter in the summer because they can trap heat.
Fill a child size wading pool with fresh water for them to cool off in. You can join them if you wish. Some dogs like to get into the lake, but the lake poses bacteria that can cause skin issues, so be sure to rinse them off when they get out.
NEVER leave your pet inside a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes.
Always have plenty of cool, fresh water for them to drink.
Avoid exercising your dog strenuously on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early morning or evenings when the sun’s heat is less intense.
Avoid exposing your dog to hot asphalt or sand for any prolong period, and especially when it is hottest during the day, as it can burn their paws.
Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Dogs that have a short head and snout, such as bulldogs, boxers, Japanese chin and Pekingese have especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer nosed dogs.
Keep all these things in mind and you and your pet(s) can have a wonderful summer!