Bert Swope
First, keep pets indoors when the weather gets unbearable. Never leave them in a hot vehicle. Also, walk your pet in the grass whenever possible and offer plenty of water. And don’t forget about heartworm prevention! Heartworm disease is very contagious, and your pet needs to be protected from the infection. For more information about heartworm prevention and treatment, click here. Also, you can visit a veterinarian to get safe flea and tick control for your pet.
Never ever leave your pet in a hot vehicle
The heat of summer is dangerous for both people and pets. Leaving your pet in a hot vehicle can result in overexertion, which can cause heatstroke. And if you’re not careful, your pet can easily overheat and suffer organ failure. Many cases of dogs left in hot cars have been reported in recent weeks, and fortunately, all three animals survived because of swift veterinary attention.
While you may be tempted to crack the window and cool the inside of the vehicle, this will not help your pet. The temperature will continue to rise, and cracking the windows will do you little to prevent it. It’s much better to leave your pet at home if you can. Heatstroke in pets is real and can be fatal. You should always restrain your pet while leaving it in a vehicle.
In the case of a pet left in a hot car, you should call the police immediately. If the animal is injured and is not conscious, calling authorities is legal, but you must wait until the authorities arrive before trying to rescue the animal. In some cases, you may be able to get into the car yourself if it is hot enough outside. Otherwise, it’s better to leave it there in a kennel or pet store.
Exercise early or late and limit exercise when hot
The same rules apply to exercise. If you want your pet to stay healthy, limit the time of day you exercise. If it is too hot outside, limit the amount of time you exercise. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can cause organ failure. Check with a veterinarian before exercising your pet during the heat of the day. In the meantime, try to find a cool spot to exercise your pet.
Exercising your pet too often in the heat of the day can be harmful for both you and your pet. Make sure to limit exercise during the hottest times of the day, like midday and after the sun sets. When walking your dog, make sure to walk on grass or a park instead of asphalt, as asphalt can get hot and cause damage to paws. Bring a water bowl to keep the dog cool.
Walk your pet in the grass if possible
When the weather gets warmer, people tend to go on longer walks with their pets. Regardless of your pet’s preference, you should still take extra precautions when walking in unfamiliar territory. Many communities still use non-pet-friendly pesticides, including some that are sweet tasting. This can be dangerous for your pet, as they can ingest poisonous grass and develop toxicities. To keep your pet safe, know your walking area well before you head out, and look out for small flags that indicate that the grass has been treated with pesticides.
If you’re walking your dog on pavement, check the temperature beforehand. Make sure the pavement temperature is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t want to put your pet at risk of heatstroke. If the pavement is hot, try to walk your dog in the grass. Make sure your pet drinks plenty of cool water, especially during hot weather. If the weather is extremely hot, try putting a couple of ice cubes into their water bowl. Always bring water bowls with you when walking your pet.
When walking your dog, avoid pavement during the hottest hours of the day. If possible, walk your pet in grassy areas or wooded areas. Also, do not leave your pet in a parked car. Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans do, so they will end up recycling hot air through panting. If you must walk your dog on pavement, make sure to adjust the intensity and duration of your walk.
Provide shade and plenty of cool water
As hot weather approaches, pets need extra attention to stay cool and safe. They should spend plenty of time indoors in shade. They should also be given access to kiddie pools full of cool water. You can also give your pet a towel to cool off in. You should also bring plenty of fresh water for your pet. If you’re traveling with your pet, carry a gallon thermos full of water with you.
During the summer months, providing shade and cool water to your pet is crucial. Dogs cannot sweat like we do and must be provided with fresh water to stay cool. Dogs’ bodies have limited sweat glands, which means that they can only cool themselves through panting. However, they do have paw pads that produce sweat, which are effective for cooling them down. Aside from shade and fresh water, your pet can also drink cool water to stay hydrated.
Make sure your pet has a cool place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can also place a plastic kiddie pool under a tree in your yard to give your pet a cool place to relax. Even better, you can provide a portable misting system to keep your pet cool. You can also invest in portable sun shades, pop-up canopies, and patio umbrellas to provide shade for your pet.
Provide access to airconditioned areas
When the temperature soars, the best way to keep your pet cool is to provide access to air conditioning. In San Antonio, body temperatures can quickly reach the hundreds and even reach heat stroke territory. While humans can easily cool down by swishing around in a pool of water, sitting under a fan, or going inside for a drink, pets rely on their owners to provide shade, air conditioning, and water.
Animals with flat faces are especially susceptible to heat stroke because they cannot pant as efficiently as humans do. Older pets, dogs, cats, and those with heart or lung diseases should always be kept cool in an air-conditioned room. The average body temperature of a dog or cat is between 101 and 102 degrees. If you observe an animal experiencing heatstroke, call their owner or call the local police department.
When in doubt keep pets indoors
When in doubt, bring pets indoors. You may not have the power to run air conditioning, but you can open windows and doors. Provide water and extra food, if possible. Keep a container of water near your pets. They need more water than you do, so bring extra water with you. You can also provide shade for your pets by using sheets and tarps. Be sure not to use doghouses, as they can be dangerous and lead to heat-related illnesses.
Bright summer days pose a great danger for pets. Although their heat tolerance varies from species to species, all pets are susceptible to heat prostration, also known as overheating or heat stroke. Provide fresh water for your pet and provide shade to avoid overheating. If you are going on a hike, pack water and keep your dog cool. Avoid hiking on sand-covered trails and don’t leave your dog alone on hot pavement. Balconies can also be overheated quickly.
If you’re going to leave your pet at home, make sure it’s in a cool room. Consider purchasing a cooling mat or bandanna for them to wear. Providing fresh water is essential – animals regulate their body temperature through their feet. Remember not to leave pets in glass conservatories or inside cars. If you’re worried that your pet won’t be safe, consider hiring a pet hotel to watch your pet.