With temperatures climbing into the 100s, it is vitally important you keep a close eye on your pet when they are outdoors. Even a few minutes can be fatal, and our pets need us to advocate for their safety. Here are a few tips and tricks to beat the heat, identify heat stroke, and most importantly, keep your pet safe.
Know The Signs Of Heat Stroke
If you witness a pet experiencing these symptoms, they need to be taken to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
- Excessive, prolonged panting or drooling.
- Dark red and/or tacky tongue and gums.
- Staggering, lethargy or collapse.
- High heart rate.
- Body temperature above 104°F.
Hot Weather Tips:
- Provide plenty of fresh, clean water.
- Pets with flat faces, such as Bulldogs and Persians, are more susceptible to heat stroke. Elderly and overweight pets are also more likely to develop heat stroke, and should be kept in a cool and air-conditioned space as much as possible.
- NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle.
- Trimming long haired dogs helps with the heat, but never shave your dog. The layers of fur help to protect against sunburn, and are designed to help regulate body temperature.
- Don’t let your pet linger on concrete or asphalt. These surfaces can reach temperatures of 125°F with an outside reading of only 75°F, and can burn your pet’s paw pads.
- Limit exercise to the early morning and evening hours to avoid peak temperatures.
Fun Summer Activities For Your Pet:
- Pet safe bubbles are a fun way to provide unique enrichment while indoors. Bonus points if they are flavored bubbles!
- A plastic kiddie pool is the perfect way to burn off energy while keeping your pup cool. You can also set up a sprinkler for them to run through!
- Homemade frozen treats are a perfect snack for warm days. For dogs you can freeze low sodium broth with their favorite treats inside. Cats will enjoy frozen churu or goat’s milk in small amounts. And of course, you can just freeze water! Ice on its own can be a fascinating treat to our pets, and they may play with it or lick it without any additional flavoring.
- Take your dog for a pup cup! A quick trip to Starbucks with the windows cracked is a great way to let them get some sun and change up their environment while still having access to A/C.
- Try out a puzzle toy! Puzzle toys engage your pet’s brain by making them work for their food or treats. There are options for both cats and dogs!
And most importantly, IF YOU SEE AN ANIMAL IN DISTRESS, CALL 911!
Keeping our pets safe and cool is our top priority during the hottest days of the year. Your support helps provide support to our community pets, whether it’s in our air conditioned shelter or out in the community. Our community pets depend on the generosity of our supporters so we can provide the best care while they wait for their furever homes.