When the sun's out, it can be so much fun taking our furry friends outside - until things start to heat up. Making sure your pet stays safe in this warmer weather is essential! Being aware of their limits and making a few extra precautions are key for having an enjoyable summer day without any unexpected trips to the emergency vet.
Tips for keeping dogs and cats safe in extreme heat:
Never Leave Your Pet In a Car
Within minutes of being left in the sun (or even with cracked windows), temperatures inside cars have been known to jump above 120 degrees – making it deadly for furry friends. So, to avoid an emergency vet visit, before you go about your journey make sure all pets are safe and sound at home.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Beat the heat and stay healthy! The importance of proper hydration is especially critical during hot days. For your four-legged friends, make sure to keep their water bowls filled so they can sip away throughout the day— indoors or outdoors.
If you want to avoid a trip to the emergency vet keep an eye on your pet to make sure they're drinking enough water as the temperatures rise.
Watch Out For Hot Surfaces Outdoors
Keep your pet cool while out and about! When taking them on a walk, try to stay in the grass or shade whenever possible. If you have no choice but to cross hot pavement, keep this quick tip in mind: if it’s too uncomfortable for your hands and feet then it's too warm for their paws – so try covering the surface with some water from a hose or bottle first.
Moderate Outside Walks and Exercise
Be sure to look out for your pup on walks and take regular breaks! Keeping them in the shade, providing fresh water, and tending to their needs can make all the difference.
Avoiding the emergency vet can be easy as long as we're paying attention to out pet's surrounding and their behavior.
Take Extra Care of Our Older and More Flat Faced Dogs
While every pup loves a warm day, it's important to remember that older dogs and certain breeds with shorter noses (e.g., pugs and bulldogs) can be more susceptible to the heat– taking extra precaution in hotter weather is key for keeping your four-legged friend safe!
Pet-Safe Sunscreen Can Be Used
Protect your pet's skin from the sun with a gentle sunscreen! Even though their fur provides some initial protection, it isn't enough to prevent painful burns and potentially serious issues like cancer.
To keep them safe, choose products that are designed for babies - they're typically milder and completely non-toxic. Don't forget areas such as ears tips or around their nose too.
To Be Extra Safe Stay Indoors on Extremely Hot Days
Taking an early morning walk is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding excessive heat that could make you and your furry friends unwell. During those warmer times of day, 10am-5pm, it's best to avoid prolonged sun exposure - keep cool and safe!
Signs Of Heat Stroke In Dogs and Cats
Heatstroke can be fatal if you do not get your pet to the emergency vet ASAP! Signs of heatstroke include:
Panting
Vomiting
Excessive drooling
Warm and dry skin
Rapid heartbeat
Staring or anxious expressions
Uncoordinated movements or collapse
What Should You Do in Case of a Pet Emergency
If you think your pet may be feeling overheated, it's important to take action immediately. Don't hesitate – get in touch with your regular veterinarian as soon as possible for expert advice and care!
Lower your furry friend's temperature with a cool mist! Soak towels in lukewarm water and lightly drape them over the hairless areas of their body - such as behind ears, foot pads, belly or inner thighs. While it might seem tempting to use icy cold temperatures, avoid this - too much chill can make things worse!
If your pet is overheating, grab a fan! It can help bring their temperature down quickly to the safe zone. But don't stop there - it's important to take them for an evaluation with their vet as soon as possible in case temperatures spike or dip too low again.
To keep your pet safe, make sure to always avoid completely submerging them in water. This is because when totally surrounded by liquid, their body cannot cool down as easily or effectively; risking health complications due to extreme temperature changes!
Please visit us at Companion Veterinary & Urgent Care Center if you fear your pet may be having a heat stroke and is in need of emergency pet care. Our urgent care, ER, and Walk-in hours are 12pm - 10pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
For questions please call our office at 941-896-9420.
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