Extreme Heat Brings Extreme Danger to Our Pets, How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe as Temperatures Rise

The Northeast and Midwest are experiencing hazardous heat this week as temperatures and heat indices soar into the triple digits. Excessive heat like this is not only dangerous for people, but it also puts our furry friends at a serious threat for heat related complications.

As we take to the outdoors trying to beat the heat, it is important to keep our four-legged companions safe. Here we review some tips from the ASPCA to make sure our pets can stay cool and safe this summer.

Keep your pets cool and hydrated in high heat

Our pets do not regulate their temperatures like we do, so we must be careful to monitor their behavior during higher-than-normal temperatures. Cats and dogs cannot sweat like people do, instead they pant to cool themselves off.

While panting does work to lower their body temperature, it does have its limits. However, our pets tend to not know their limits, so we must be sure to monitor and regulate the amount of high temperatures they experience. When you are outdoors with your furry little friend, make sure you have a shady spot for them to hang out in.

Just as it is important for people to stay hydrated in high heat, dogs and cats need ample water to maintain their cool. Ice cubes are a nice summer treat that will both hydrate and cool your pet.

The symptoms of overheating are similar to those in humans, but with some differences. Elevated panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, weakness, and collapsing all indicate your pet is too hot and needs to be moved to a cooler place and possibly even the vet’s office.

Unique summer hazards arise for your pet

In the warmer months, we tend to try to find a body of water to hang out around and swim in. Our dogs tend to join us on these water adventures but should never be left unsupervised. Dogs should not ingest pool, lake, or ocean water in large quantities as the chlorine, microorganisms, or salt found in these bodies of water can cause serious health concerns.

Even though it is important to walk our dogs in the summer, timing is very important to limit the hazard to your pet. Sidewalks and asphalt can get much hotter than the air, easily burning dogs sensitive paw pads. When the air temperature is over 85°F, the asphalt is likely too hot for a walk. If you are unsure, put your hand on the ground, if it is too hot for you it is too hot for your dog.

Lastly, never leave your dog in a parked vehicle. The car becomes an oven in the sun and could be fatal to your pet. Not only is it dangerous for your furry friend, but it is illegal in several states.

News reference:

ASPCA. Hot Weather Safety Tips. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips