Pet Safety Tips
Pets and the Summer Heat: How to Keep them Safe and Cool
It’s no secret that there is a lot of extreme heat Lancaster during the summer and it never seem to want to let up. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans do, so they have a harder time trying to cool themselves off. Some signs that your pet may be overheated may include excessive panting, increased heart rate, and in extreme cases – vomiting and diarrhea.
It’s no secret that there is a lot of extreme heat Lancaster during the summer and it never seem to want to let up. Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans do, so they have a harder time trying to cool themselves off. Some signs that your pet may be overheated may include excessive panting, increased heart rate, and in extreme cases – vomiting and diarrhea.
What’s a dog or cat to do in this type of extreme weather? Well, there isn’t much they can say or do about it, but there are plenty of things you, as a responsible pet owner, can do to help them stay cool and healthy.
Below are some tips on keeping your pets cool and safe in the heat:
- Try to keep your pets inside as much as possible, especially during the hottest times of the day.
- Don’t leave your pets in a vehicle. Your car is like an oven and will heat up very quickly. It doesn’t take long (even a few short minutes) for your pet to get overheated if left in the car.
- Hydration – make sure there is fresh water available at all times. If your dog or cat is left outside in the heat, make sure their water is left in a shaded area and that there is plenty of fresh water available to them.
- Frozen toys can be used to help keep them cool and entertained at the same time.
- If you have a larger dog that enjoys water, you can let them swim in a kiddie pool or run through the sprinklers. Do your best to put the pool in a shaded area though, and you can even add some ice in for them to play with.
Some other things to keep in mind when it is hot outside:
- If you are going to walk or run with your dog, it is better to exercise with them in the early morning or later evening hours when it is cooler.
- When you do take your dog out for a walk or run, take some fresh water for them to drink along the way.
- Be careful when letting your pets outside. Concrete and asphalt can heat up quickly and burn the pads on their feet. Something you can do is put your hand on the concrete, asphalt, or whatever surface they will be on, and hold it there for at least 5 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand to be down there, it is too hot for your pet to stand or walk on.
- Dogs and cats can get sunburned, especially those with light colored coats and/or noses. Make sure they have plenty of shade and shelter from the sun to help them from being sunburned.
- Dogs and cats with shorter snouts are more susceptible to the heat.