Keep Pets Safe In The Heat

Sizzling summer heat threatens those who can’t take care of themselves: pets!

The following are few things you can do to keep your little best friends safe in blistering heat conditions:

• Look before you lock! Everyone loves a trip to the beach or even to the park, but it is imperative to NOT leave your pets locked in a vehicle alone. Temperatures can soar in a matter of minutes, leading to dangerous consequences for your pets. 
• Monitor humidity levels on high heat days. High humidity can make breathing and cooling down difficult for your pets. In fact, animals are not like humans in that they have sweat glands readily available to cool their body temperatures down.
• Limit outdoor exposure when extreme heat is afoot. When the heat is already a threat, taking your pet on a walk or to the park can elevate heat dangers. On hot summery days, try to take your pets on walks at cooler times during the day, typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 
• Spring for water rather than a fan. On a hot day, a fan may not be the best option for your pet since they may have a thick coat. If that is the case, fresh spring water and a shaded area can provide the most effective cooling for your pets. You could also have a pool or sprinkler day for your pets to give them a splash of relief.
• Treats can be “cool” too! Don’t be afraid to get inventive with cool pet treats! For example, dogs can eat ice cubes as a treat which will also keep them cool. Fun fact, this also helps any teething issues for your pets as well which will help soothe any sore gums. 
• Monitor for any heat-related illnesses. Just like humans, pets are just as susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. In fact, they are more susceptible since their bodies can’t regulate heat as efficiently as humans. If you notice your pet becoming ill or exhibiting any signs of heat-related illness such as nausea, dizziness, excessive breathing, vomiting or even profusely salivating, move them to a controlled environment immediately. Make sure your pet stays cool by applying ice packs and cold towels on their body. When your pet is stable enough, transport them to their friendly neighborhood veterinarian.

One other thing that you can do to brace your pets for high heat days is have a plan in place for power outages. Often, outages will occur during heat waves which means air conditioning may not be available. It’s never too early to create a backup plan to keep your little friends safe and secure from any heat-related illnesses. 

Sources: Humane Society of the United States

(Image provided by Pixabay.com)