Keeping Your Pets Safe In The Summer Heat

PET SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

Pet parents with outdoor cats and dog parents who spend time outdoors need to be mindful of the heat during these long summer days. For dog parents, there are a lot of fun things to do outside during the summer: from hiking and beach trips to visits to the dog park or just a daily walk, taking time to exercise with your fur-baby will help you bond and keep you both healthy!  Just be careful to not spend too much time outdoors in the heat. Hot weather can spell danger for your pet in the form of heat stroke, dehydration, and sun burns. Follow some of these tips to make sure you and your pet stay healthy AND safe.

WALK YOUR DOG IN THE EARLY MORNING OR LATE EVENING​

Getting your daily walk in with your dog is a great idea, but make sure you choose early mornings or late evenings rather that walking in the middle of the day. People can change clothes to help adjust for the weather, but your pet cannot. Even pets who exercise regularly are susceptible to heat stroke. Another important factor to consider is the temperature of the pavement when the day is hottest. In 77 degree weather, pavement that has been sitting in the sun can reach 125 degrees. Pet insurance provider Pet Plan put together this infographic which suggests as a rule of thumb to put your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds before heading out with your furry companion. If it's too hot for your hand, its too hot for your pet. Show them some love by protecting their pads.

KEEP YOUR PET HYDRATED

Dogs and cats can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure that your pet has access to fresh water and shade at all times. Its important to keep exercising to a minimum and bring your pet inside during the hottest part of the day. Deyhdration occurs when your pet loses more water and electrolytes than they take in. Dehydration can cause your dog or cat to lose consciousness, succumb to kidney failure and can even be fatal - so keep that water bowl full at all times! Please be mindful of your outdoor kitties and keep their water bowl full as well.

We recommend switching out your pet's water daily to avoid bacteria build up. 

KEEP THEM INDOORS WHEN YOU GO OUT

If you are going to leave the house, bring your pet indoors. Never, ever leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Between 2018-2019 over 82 pets died due to being left in hot cars - all of these deaths were preventable.  On a sunny day with 70 degree weather, the inside of a vehicle can get to 104 degrees in about 30 minutes. After another hour, it can reach 113. Dogs cannot sweat and their bodies break down quickly in high temperatures. Cars heat up quickly even with the windows cracked and sometimes its just a matter of minutes before a companion succumbs to heat stroke. We encourage you to leave your pet at home when you go out. 

​If you have concerns about leaving them indoors, try using a crate or baby proof your house. Put things out of reach and leave plently of toys for them to play with to keep them occupied.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR HEAT STROKE

All breeds of pets can suffer from heat stroke, however, some breeds are more susceptible than others. Large dogs, dogs with short faces shuch as Bull Dogs and Boxers, dogs who are overweight or have long coats are most at risk. Signs of heat stroke that you can watch out for include:
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• excessive panting
• increased heart and respiratory rate
• lethargy
• stumbling
• dark or bright red gums and tongue.

If you suspect your pet has had a heat stroke, take them to the vet immediately. Even if you can cool down your pet, heat stroke can cause internal damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and respiratory system that is not apparent immediately. For this reason we impress a sense of urgency.

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We want you to have a wonderful summer filled with happy memories with your pet. Have fun and be safe! 

If you are in our area and have concerns about your pet's health, our caring and knowledgeable vets are here to help. You can reach us at 281-970-0601. 

​If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, make an appointment to see Dr. Tanner Tracy or your veterinarian today. ​

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