6 Tips to Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

Summer is in full swing and that means we need to be extra careful with our pets outside in the heat. Follow the tips below to keep your pet safe and healthy during hot weather.

1. Always provide shade and fresh water when your pets are outside.
2. Limit their time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating.
3. Keep your pet off the hot asphalt as much as possible to prevent burns to their paw pads. Other surfaces which can be too hot for your pet’s paws are tennis courts, swimming pool concrete and even wood and non-wood decks. Dogs and cats sweat through their paw pads, so when the pads are damaged your pet’s ability to cool itself down is significantly impaired.
4. Never leave your pet in the car on a hot day. Not even for 5 minutes. On a 78 degree day, the interior of a car left in the sun can heat up to 160 degrees within minutes.
5. Do not run your dog or bike with your dog or play for an extended time with your pet when the temperature is over 85 as heat stroke can occur rapidly.
6. Pets can get sunburned, especially those with pink skin and white hair. Try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Drooling
• Difficulty breathing or difficulty catching breath
• Collapse or weakness
• Altered mental state

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke try to cool them off as best you can while getting them to your veterinarian or local emergency clinic as quickly as possible.