With temperatures soaring, everyone is beating the heat by swimming in their above ground pool or visiting the lake for a dip. Increasingly high temperatures can also affect our beloved pets – leading to heatstroke if they aren’t properly cared for. Here are our top tips for pet owners in summer to keep pets happy and cool.
Hydration is key
Just like humans, pets can become dehydrated. During summer, ensure your pets have access to clean, cool water both indoors and outdoors. You can also freeze their bowls or drop small ice blocks into the water. When taking pets out for the day, carry a collapsible bowl and water bottle with you. Along with drinking water, pets can enjoy water play that keeps them both active and hydrated. Try cooling down your pet with the following:
Adjust the walk schedule
If you have dogs, hot asphalt can burn their delicate paws. This is why sticking to the coolest times of the day for walks is beneficial. Aim for a morning walk an hour before the sun rises, and plan an evening walk an hour after it sets to give sidewalks time to cool down. This makes walks more comfortable for your dog and keeps their paws from getting burnt. Always test the asphalt with your hand before taking your dog out onto it and keep the walks to under 30 minutes.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle
Unlike humans, dogs are unable to cool themselves down through sweating. They rely on panting, making them extremely vulnerable to overheating. Pets should never be left in parked cars, even if the window is open. In summer heat, a parked car can be 20 degrees hotter than the temperature outside, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). In fact, over 32 states have specific laws against leaving animals unattended in parked vehicles for extended periods of time. Take the time to learn what your state laws say and keep your pet safe. If your dog shows the following symptoms of overheating, take them straight to a vet to prevent it from developing into heatstroke.
Symptoms:
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Weakness
Source: ASPA
Keep thick fur short
If your pet has a thick coat, shaving it down can help them feel much more comfortable in the heat. Trimming is permissible, however, shaving fur too short can cause sunburn as the coat protects your pet’s sensitive skin.
Make frozen treats
Homemade frozen treats are ideal snacks for keeping dogs hydrated and cool. You can pour pet-friendly broth into ice trays and freeze them for savory cubes. Other easy iced treats include pureed watermelon, pumpkin or banana.
Source: Pinterest
Summer offers plenty of opportunities for bonding and playing, but it is also important to stay aware of the heat to keep our pets healthy. Next time you’re headed out for a walk, don’t forget to pack plenty of water!😊
