Hot weather is here to stay. The puppers and kittos may love being outside, and there is lots to do with them there, but pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of heat and what to do about it.
We all know that asphalt and concrete can burn feet. Having grassy areas outside or cooler surfaces inside to get away from those hot surfaces is important.
Paw pads can burn quickly and your dog may not even complain about it, but it is a long healing process with possible vet bills for the recovery. It’s really important not to leave dogs or cats in a car alone during summer.
Even a few minutes can turn deadly when it’s really hot outside. Even if windows are lowered partially, parts of the car can be too hot for pets.
That fun car adventure can become a tragic event with even one quick errand. If pets must be outdoor only or outdoors for an extended period, make certain they have a restful surface, lots of fresh water frequently throughout the day.
A wet cloth when they are really hot helps them as much as it helps us when we are working outside. Cooling mats or vests may be necessary for some breeds. A fan can be a great help. Indoor animals may seek out different areas to rest in the home so that they can be in temperatures which suits them best so it’s okay if one room is cooler or warmer.
They’ll appreciate it! Older animals or animals with a lot of medical issues will require more thought and attention to keep them more comfortable. It may take more planning.
Don’t let pets exert themselves, if you can help it, in extremely hot weather. Save fetch for evenings or cooler times and consider shortening the time games are played. Walks and quiet activities are generally better during hot weather. Remember to carry and offer water.
Make sure pets have an area with shade so they can get out of direct sun. Dogs will try to cool themselves through panting or access to water. Cats will clean themselves and lick paws.
If you see your pet acting very strangely; staggering, panting without a wet tongue or drooling excessively, vomiting or hacking to vomit without being able to get anything up for an extended period, or being lethargic, it could be heatstroke and it is important to consult a vet as soon as possible.
Working together with your pet goes a long way to keep them safe and comfortable in the heat.
