7 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat With Your Pet

Summer is here and along with it comes the heat!

Many outdoor dogs and cats that die during the summer months with no previous signs of medical problems usually succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Unlike us, pets do not sweat. The only way they can exhaust heat is to pant. Many times without cooling aids, panting just isn’t enough to prevent over heating and death.

Here are some helpful tips this month to help keep our friends cool:

1. Dogs and cats have to wear a coat year round so we have to help them stay cool during these warm summer days. The best way to do that is to provide ample shade for our outdoor furry friends.
2. Do not tie them up to a tree or stake, as many pets get wrapped around and cannot free themselves to find adequate shade.
3. Do not take your pets for a quick run to the store. Even with the windows cracked, the car can heat up to a temperature that your pet cannot withstand. Leave them at home.
4. Provide clean fresh water daily. ( Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the water bowl as fungus can form quickly) I even add ice cubes to the water just because that’s the way I like mine~;)
5. A nice shave down for thick coated, or long haired dogs and cats is highly recommended.
6. If your dogs are outside all day long, why not let them run through the sprinkler, or let the sprinkler run over them to cool them down mid day.
7. If it is hot out, do not take your dog for a 5k run, wait until it cools down and bring along some water for your running buddy.

If you ever get into a situation where you think your pet is overheated. Submerge their body in a tub of cool water, place alcohol on the pads of their feet, wrap them in towels saturated with cool water and rush them to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

The normal temperature for dogs and cats is between 99.5f to 102.5f. When they get into the 104f and above range they are in serious trouble!

Prevention is the key. Do your part by helping others help our furry friends that many times can’t help themselves.

Dr. Dani
Pet-Fixer Inc.
At your service at your doorstep!