Heat Safety Tips For Pets

Our pets struggle to keep cool during the hot summer months, and overheating can cause serious health issues such as heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure or even death if it’s not treated quickly. Please remember that dogs do not cool as effectively as we do, and what is warm for us can be blazing hot for them.

With that in mind, here are some tips for keeping pets safe when the weather is warm:

• Provide plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Never leave your pet in the car on warm days. Vehicle interiors heat up quickly, and temperatures inside cars can soar as high as 160°F within minutes.
• Do not over-exercise your pet. Outdoor activity is more taxing on your pet’s body when it’s hot outside.
• Before going out with your pet, hold the palm of your hand on the pavement and make sure it’s a comfortable temperature for sensitive pads. Hot pavement radiates a lot of heat, and your jogging/walking companion is much closer to the ground than you are!
• Ideal times to exercise your pet outside in the summer months are before 10am and after 6pm, to ensure your pet is not outside during peak temperatures and sun exposure.
• When possible, keep your pet indoors in cool, air-conditioned areas.

Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, increased heart rate and drooling. In advanced cases, symptoms can include seizures, collapsing, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

We encourage you and your pet to enjoy the weather, but please keep these tips in mind!