Summer is just around the corner, and temperatures are already soaring! Check out the tips below to help your pets beat the heat while still enjoying the summer sun.
Heat Advisories – If it’s too hot for people, it’s too hot for pets. Heat advisories apply to our animal friends as well – make sure they have access to plenty of water and shade if they’re outside for any period of time.
Leave Pets Home – The inside of a vehicle can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even when parked in the shade. Avoid any chance of your pet suffering from heat exhaustion, heat stroke or worse, and leave them at home.
Driving with Dogs – Driving with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck is very dangerous. Flying debris can cause injury to your dog or they may be unintentionally thrown out of the bed of the truck. Dogs should ride in the cab or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion – In the summer sun, your pet can quickly suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion; being aware of the signs could save their life:
- heavy panting
- rapid pulse
- glazed eyes
- staggering gait
- vomiting
- a deep red or purple tongue
If you notice any of these signs, get your pet out of the sun immediately and begin applying cool (not cold) compresses. Once you’ve removed them from the sun and started cooling them off, it’s vital that you get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible, even if they are no longer showing signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Exercise – Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours; asphalt can get extremely hot and burn your pet’s paws.
Festivals, Fairs and More – Crowded summer events and pets do not mix well. Loud noises and crowds combined with the heat can be stressful and dangerous. Remember, incidents of dog bites increase during the summer.
Identification – Ensure that your pet is wearing a collar and proper identification (dogs are required to wear their license). If your pet gets separated or lost, they have a greater chance of being reunited.