While enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, pets can quickly overheat or develop other heat-related ailments. Our pets are especially vulnerable to heatstroke because of their thicker fur coats and desire to run and play, and it doesn't take as much as you think for your furry friend's core temperature to get dangerously high.
A hot summer day can also be very exhausting for animals, just like it is for some humans. However, unlike you, your pet has a much more limited tolerance for heat. Although wild animals are highly adapted to the environment, companion animals can be just as vulnerable to excessive heat.
Summer pet safety is simple; all it needs is some planning and consideration. Your pet might be at risk throughout the summer due to heat stroke, dehydration, and sunburns. To ensure the health and safety of both you and your pet, here are some of the suggestions so you can enjoy the day safely.
Even when parked in the shade with windows cracked open, leaving a pet alone in a hot car can be dangerous. Pets can get agitated and uncomfortable and suffer heat stroke very rapidly. On a hot day, the interior of your automobile may quickly reach dangerously high temperatures and on hotter days it can reach deadly levels in minutes. The temperature inside your car is usually 20 degrees hotter than the outside air. Inside the car, temperatures can quickly exceed 100 degrees. It is insufficient to open windows to allow in fresh air from the outside. Simply said, pets and cats cannot endure these levels extreme heat.
Make a schedule, so your pet is never left alone in the car or any other confined location. Leave your pet at home while you run errands, so you're not tempted to dash into a store, leaving your closest companion inside.
The beginning of summer is when most pets start to shed their coats, so frequent grooming will help to remove the extra hair and make your pet more comfortable. Pets with long hair may benefit from having their coats cut so they can stay cool in the summer. Regularly brushing your pet's fur will also give you more time to examine their skin and paws for injuries, ticks, and fleas.
Water is necessary for your pet all year-round, but especially so on hot days. When you're out and about with your pet, keep a bottle of water and a dish nearby for them to drink from, and try your best to keep your pet cool and relaxed. Make sure there is enough water accessible if you and your pet will be spending a lot of time in the sun to prevent dehydration. Additionally, try to keep your pet as much as you can in the shade during extremely sunny days.
Sun-heated surfaces, such as asphalt or sand, can be unpleasant for your pet's paws. Test the temperature of the pavement or asphalt before taking your pet for an afternoon exercise. It's too hot for you to touch, it’s too hot for your dog or cat also. Their paw pads may appear to be sturdy, yet they may easily burn and blister. Choose to walk or run in the chilly mornings and evenings.
When pets overheat, they suffer from heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when a pet's body temperature cannot be reduced, and it can be deadly. This can occur not just in extremely hot weather, but also in warm weather. It is critical to understand how to avoid it and recognize the symptoms since it needs immediate veterinarian care.
Here are some of the most prevalent health problems associated with an overheated animal:
To stay cool, our pets pant and sweat from their feet. A panting dog or cat might be in great danger of overheating. Excessive panting indicates that your pet should be relocated to a cooler environment right away.
We want you to enjoy a fantastic summer filled with beautiful memories with your pet. Have fun while remaining safe! If you have concerns about the health of your pet, our caring and experienced veterinarians at Onalaska Animal Hospital are here to assist. Call us at (608) 668-6777!
