Keep Your Pets Cool In Summer

Tips for Keeping Your Pets Cool in the Summer Heat

1. Don't leave your pets unattended in a locked car
2. When walking your pet, try to do it in the cooler hours of the morning or evening
3. Always have plenty of fresh water available
4. If you go out with your pet, bring water with you
5. If your pet is an outdoor pet, provide shade or shelter
6. Be careful of hot asphalt or trails, do the barefoot test: Place your bare hand or foot on the surface for 5 seconds. If it is uncomfortable to you, it is too hot for your pet
7. Don't over exercise your pet. Many pets will continue to run or play fetch long after they have overheated, they don't know their limits. Again, wait till the cooler hours to toss a ball in the yard
8. If your pet can swim, let them take a dip in the pool, or if on a hike, choose a location that has a stream or lake to cool off your pet

Signs of Heat Exhaustion to Look For:

1. Heavy panting
2. Excessive drooling
3. Lying down, frequent breaks, less responsive to commands
4. Labored breathing
5. Increased heart rate
6. Lethargy
7. Diarrhea and/or vomiting

Certain dogs are more prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Puppies and seniors, brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds, over weight dogs, heavy coated dogs, and dogs with other risk factors like heart or lung disease all require more care in the heat.

Also be aware that it may be a good idea to use sunscreen on your dog. Noses, heads, and spines are all prone to burning in the sun.