As the summer heat intensifies, it’s crucial to remember that your pets require protection from high temperatures and dehydration, just like you do. According to National Geographic, during record-breaking heat waves, it becomes even more important to safeguard your dogs, cats, and other pets from overheating. It’s worth noting that pets exhibit and experience symptoms of overheating differently than humans, which underscores the importance of understanding how heat affects them.
Barbara Hodges, a veterinarian and the director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medicine Association, emphasized that pet owners should not assess heat based on their own sensations.
Sometimes, people don’t realize that the ground can get very hot, especially if they’re wearing shoes. For example, when you take your dog somewhere and decide to cross a parking lot quickly, you might not know that it can hurt your dog’s paws if they don’t have shoes on.
Pets like dogs and cats don’t stay cool in the same way humans do. They sweat through their paws and noses, and dogs pant to cool down while cats groom themselves. But this works well in normal summer weather.
But when it gets extremely hot, animals might struggle to get rid of extra heat. This can lead to something called heatstroke, which can be very dangerous and even deadly. Some pets, like pugs and bulldogs, are more at risk of heatstroke. Young and old pets are also more sensitive to heat.
Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs can also have trouble with the heat. Dr. Clyde Pitts, a vet, explained that they can even die inside a house if it gets too hot and there’s no fresh air.
Heatstroke can happen anywhere, so it’s important to be careful and know how to keep your pets safe and comfortable in the heat. Here are five tips for taking care of your pets when it’s hot outside.
Never leave your pet in a parked car
Even if you crack a window, it won’t cool down the car. If you need to go out on a hot day and your pets are with you, leaving them at home is better. When a car is parked, it can get very hot inside very quickly, and that’s not safe for your pets.
Jennifer Hawkins, a veterinarian who leads the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, says it’s not safe for your pets. Even on a mildly warm day, a parked car can quickly become too hot for them to handle, especially with the heat we have now. So, it’s better not to risk their health and safety.
Limit exercising in the heat
You should try to do outdoor activities with your pets when it’s not too hot outside, like in the morning or evening. Make sure to take breaks in the shade and rest often. You can also use special sunscreen for pets on their exposed skin. When you come back home, you can help your pet cool down by gently wiping them with a damp towel.
Keep hydrated
Make sure your pets drink water before you go out, and bring some water with you. You can use a special bowl for water when you go for walks. If your pet stays outside, have more than one bowl of water that won’t tip over. It’s important because it’s hot outside.
Stay indoors or provide shade
Your pets need to stay in the shade, whether they are inside or outside. If you have caged animals, make sure they are not in direct sunlight. You can put a frozen water bottle in their cage to keep them cool.
Keeping your pets cool doesn’t have to be expensive, according to Hawkins. You don’t need fancy cooling beds. A simple fan and shade are good ways to make your pets comfortable.
Watch for heatstroke
Your pet can get very hot in the sun. Signs of heatstroke in pets include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. In severe cases, they might collapse or have a seizure. If you see these signs, get in touch with your vet. For immediate help, move your pet to a cooler place and gently apply lukewarm water to areas with less fur, like the belly, armpits, and paws.
Protect your pet’s paws from the pavement
Keep your pet’s paws away from hot concrete or asphalt. A simple way to check is to place the palm of your hand on the ground. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on. If you need to go out, stick to grassy areas or take walks when it’s cooler, like in the early mornings or late evenings.
