Hot temperatures can put pets at risk of dehydration, burned paws, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Southern summers can be especially dangerous, so pet owners should take extra precautions when temperatures rise. Follow these six tips to help keep your furry friends safe and comfortable.
How to Keep Pets Safe in Hot Temperatures
- Let’s face it, we all put on a few extra pounds over the last year. Your pets included. It’s important to take extra precautions with overweight or elderly dogs. They tend to be more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures and can get heatstroke.
- Never leave your animal in a parked car, even if you’re only running into a store for a minute. Cars can heat up very quickly, putting pets at risk of heat exhaustion or fatal heatstroke. Review the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) warm-weather pet safety guidance for additional ways to protect your pets when temperatures rise.
- You’re not the only one who gets thirsty in hot weather. Keep your pets hydrated. Make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outside. Add ice cubes and check to make sure their bowl has water regularly.
- If you have a pool or will be visiting someone with a pool, make sure to supervise your pets. Not all of them are good swimmers. Make sure to rinse your dog off after swimming to remove salt and chlorine from their coats. Please do your best to make sure they don’t drink the pool water as the chemicals could make your dog sick.
- Shade. Shade. Shade. Do your best to find shady areas for your pet to rest and make sure they have plenty of water. Try not to over-exercise your pet and avoid asphalt or other hot surfaces that may burn your pet’s paws. Take walks at cooler times of the day and avoid peak highs.
- Pay attention to your pet. They’ll show you how they’re feeling. If you see your pet panting and showing signs of weakness, lethargy or diarrhea, then keep them indoors. If your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, their gums and tongue will appear bright red. If you see any of these signs, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Don’t just look out for your pet; look out for yourself and your family as well when extreme temperatures can trigger power outages. Install a generator or backup supply and keep everyone healthy, happy and cool in the event of a power outage. If you need a generator or need maintenance to your existing one, contact Gage.