Keeping your pets safe during the sizzling summer heat

08/17/2016

No matter what part of the country you live in, summers in the U.S. can get pretty hot. When the temperatures soar, humans know when it’s time to call it a day and head inside for a cool-down.

Our pets are a different story. They enjoy their time outdoors and love running, jumping and playing. But hot temps can mean dire consequences, including but not limited to heatstroke and fatalities. This is why it’s important for pet owners to learn the signs and symptoms of overheating and heat exhaustion before a situation becomes serious.

Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.¹

Pet owners take heed: animals at a particularly high risk for heat stroke are the very old, very young, overweight or out-of-shape, and those with heart or respiratory disease.² “Some breeds of dogs – like boxers, pugs, shih tzus, and other dogs and cats with short muzzles – will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat,” says the Humane Society’s website.

If your pet is exhibiting signs or symptoms of heat stroke, it’s important to contact your family veterinarian right away. There are simple things a pet owner can do, however, to help prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses in pets.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends following the below list³ of actions so that family pets don’t fall prey to the summer heat.

Never, ever leave your dog in the car unattended
Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water
Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside
Take walks during the cooler hours of the day
When walking, try to stay off hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog’s paws
If you think it’s hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off
Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms
Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet)

By taking appropriate, precautionary actions – and remaining aware of signs pets may be exhibiting – pet owners can keep their animals safe this summer, leaving more time to have fun and enjoy the season!