Beat the Heat!
Posted on Sat 07/23/11 in Canine
Don’t forget to keep your pets cool and hydrated this summer. A few tips for your pets on hot summer days.
With temperatures in the 90’s and even breaking 100, please don’t forget about your four-legged family members. Here are a few tips to help you get your pet safely through the hottest months of the year.
- Never leave your pet outdoors for an extended amount of time, even if there is shade or a dog house.
- Invest in a crate so your pet can stay inside when you are not at home. That way s/he will be safe and cool.
- Always make sure you have fresh clean water available for your pets
- If you think they are not drinking enough, please measure the water you provide in the morning and then measure what is left over. If your pet is not drinking, please contact your veterinarian.
- Ever try walking barefoot on the road or walking through the sand on the beach in the summer? Don’t forget hot days mean hot surfaces.
- Try to take your pet for a walk early before the heat of the day or late in the evening
- Walk your pet on the grass, it will be much cooler on their paws than the black pavement
- Don’t make your pet stand still on hot pavement. If you know you will be in a situation where your pet may need to stand still, bring a towel or blanket and let them rest on that.
- Limit strenuous exercise, especially for long haired pets.
- Dogs don’t shed heat as easily as we do, so overheating is a serious risk
- Keep your long haired breed properly groomed.
- Matting can raise the risk of heat stroke
- Be careful if you decide to shave your pet. Fur also protects the skin from the sun, so shaving too close can lead to other problems. Speak with your groomer or veterinarian for recommendations.
- Never leave a pet in your car for any amount of time.
- Even a few minutes in your car without the a/c on can seriously harm your pet or even cause death.
- Many dogs love playing in water.
- A kiddy swimming pool can be a great cool toy for your pet in the summer
- Ice cubes or ice blocks can be a great summer treat
- A fan and a bucket of ice water can make nice cool breeze for your pet after being outside.
- Invest in a crate so your pet can stay inside when you are not at home. That way s/he will be safe and cool.
- If you think they are not drinking enough, please measure the water you provide in the morning and then measure what is left over. If your pet is not drinking, please contact your veterinarian.
- Try to take your pet for a walk early before the heat of the day or late in the evening
- Walk your pet on the grass, it will be much cooler on their paws than the black pavement
- Don’t make your pet stand still on hot pavement. If you know you will be in a situation where your pet may need to stand still, bring a towel or blanket and let them rest on that.
- Dogs don’t shed heat as easily as we do, so overheating is a serious risk
- Matting can raise the risk of heat stroke
- Be careful if you decide to shave your pet. Fur also protects the skin from the sun, so shaving too close can lead to other problems. Speak with your groomer or veterinarian for recommendations.
- Even a few minutes in your car without the a/c on can seriously harm your pet or even cause death.
- A kiddy swimming pool can be a great cool toy for your pet in the summer