Summer
Summer heat puts extra stress on our pet friends.
Because of this, it’s best to keep them
inside where shade,
water and cool air (either from air conditioning or open windows)
can comfort them.
If your pet is outside all day, make sure he has a shady,
grassy area (pavement tends to heat up in warm
weather).
Check at different times of the day to make sure the area is
constantly shaded.
You may need to provide extra water in summer. Try larger water
containers, or special devices that attach
to an easy-to-reach
faucet for unlimited access.
Most veterinarians don’t recommend shaving dogs or cats, since the
hair helps them insulate against
heat. Heavy-coated breeds of dogs
and cats are especially prone to heat illnesses, especially in hot,
humid climates.
Many heavy-coated dogs appreciate a wading pool to
roll in on extra hot days.
Other animals with an increased risk of overheating include senior
pets, puppies and kittens, working
pets and flat-faced breeds
(Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekes, Persians).
If your dog or cat is used to running errands with you in your car,
leave it at home during hot summer
days. Even with the windows cracked,
your car can reach 130 degrees inside in less than 30 minutes. Don’t
risk
giving your pet heat stroke!
Jogging or biking with your dog can be dangerous in hot weather. Just
as your body temperature rises
during exercise, so does your pet’s.
But unlike you, dogs and cats can’t sweat. They must pant to rid their
bodies of excess heat—an ineffective means of cooling off if the air
outside is as warm or warmer than inside
the body.
Treating Overheating
The best way to treat overheating is prevention. However, if you notice
that your pet has abnormally
rapid breathing, tremors, muscle weakness,
vomiting or fainting, your pet may have heat exhaustion.
Wet your pet with cool—not cold—water placed in an area with a breeze
and take your pet
to the veterinarian immediately.
WARM WEATHER CARE
As temperatures soar, dogs become more vulnerable to heat stress.
Maintaining a comfortable environment
for your dog is important.
Providing plenty of cool, fresh water will help keep your dog cool
throughout the summer.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke develops rapidly and is often associated with exposure to
high temperatures, humidity and
poor ventilation. Symptoms include
panting, a staring or anxious expression, failure to respond to
commands,warm,
dry skin, extremely high temperature, dehydration,
rapid heartbeat and collapse. Puppies and geriatric dogs tend to be
more
susceptible. Adult dogs more susceptible to heat stress include
those who recently moved from cool to warmer climates,
those with
cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, or with a history of heat
stress. With any form of heat stress,
prompt veterinary attention is
important to deal with potential complications.
Periods of Confinement
Confinement in a car or any other poorly ventilated enclosure can be
fatal to your dog. One study reports
that when the outside temperature is 78ºF, a closed car will reach 90ºF in five minutes, and 110ºF in 25 minutes.
Exercise
Avoid excessive exercising of your dog during hot days or warm, humid
nights. The best time to exercise
is either early in the morning before
sunrise or late in the evening after the sun goes down.
Sunburn
Dogs who have recently received short haircuts may become sunburn
victims and are as susceptible to
heat stress as dogs who haven't had
their haircoat trimmed. In fact, your dog's haircoat has insulating
characteristics
to help protect him from the heat.
