8 Tips for Pet Care in Hot Weather
(Adapted from the ASPCA)
1.
Leave pets at home. Dogs cool themselves by panting, which precipitates
convection; that is, their panting exchanges warm body temperature for cooler
air outside. If the outside air isn’t significantly cooler than their body
temp, their cooling system doesn’t work and they can get heatstroke. Studies
show that on a 75 degree day, temps inside a car (with windows cracked) can
raise to 100 degrees in 10 minutes. Temps in dark colored cars can rise even
more, reaching temps of 200 degrees!
2.
Keep plenty of fresh water accessible in deep bowls. All that heavy
breathing takes a toll. Dogs lose moisture much faster than humans, so they
should always have access to fresh, cool water. Deep bowls of cool water will
stay chilled longer than shallow bowls, and you can also add ice to prolong the
chill.
3.
Avoid burnt paws. If the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, well guess
what — it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Always check the pavement before
bringing your dog outside.
4.
Be sensible about exercise. *Exercise early in the morning or late at night when the
sun’s intensity is less.
5.
Watch for signs of heat
stress. Signs such as excessive panting, increased
salivation, glassy eyes, and pale gums.
6.
Maintain their coat. A shaggy coat can actually help insulate your dog against
the heat.
7.
Keep up on flea prevention. Ideally, your dog or cat should already be on a monthly
flea preventative because it’s much harder to eradicate fleas from your home
after they’ve already started to reproduce.
Consult with your veterinary office for recommendations.
8. Do you suspect
heatstroke? If
you think your pet has overheated, place cool (not ice cold, as this can do
more harm!), wet washcloths on his head and neck, and cool compresses on his
belly and under his back legs. Call your vet’s office immediately and seek
their advice about next steps. Heatstroke can quickly lead to coma, cardiac
arrest, and death, so don’t hesitate to seek veterinary attention as soon as
possible.
