Although the temperatures and humidity are rising, your furry pal still needs to head outdoors for exercise and elimination. Keep your pet safe from the dangers of the summer heat by following these six tips. 

#1: Check the forecast before heading outdoors with your pet

Determine the best time of day for outdoor exercise and play by checking the forecast. A sudden storm moving in may drop the temperature, but create excessive humidity. Temperatures can skyrocket after days of unending sunny weather. Neither humidity nor temperature should be ignored when spending time outside with your pet, since these weather conditions can make your furry pal miserable, and can be dangerous to their health. Most likely, the early morning will be the best time for your pet to be outdoors, before the sun has had a chance to bake the asphalt, and the humidity climbs.

#2: Provide hot-weather necessities for your pet

You will likely pack a cooler, hat, sunscreen, and other summertime essentials when you head out to the beach or to spend time in the sun, and your pet needs certain hot weather gear, too. Ensure plenty of fresh water is always available, and check for appropriate ventilation when outdoors. While outbuildings can provide shade, they often are poorly ventilated, so keep your pet out of the garage or shed to help them stay cool. If your pet has short fur or a thin coat, they may require sunscreen to prevent a painful burn, but choose a pet-friendly product. Human products should not be used on pets. 

#3: Groom your pet regularly during the summer

You know how a good haircut makes you feel lighter, cooler, and fresher, and the same holds true for your furry friend. While you don’t want to shave your pet completely in the summer, since their coat acts as protection against the sun, and serves to help regulate their body temperature, a trim can pare down excessively long hair. Regular brushing will also help by removing dead fur before clumping into heat-trapping mats, and dispersing healthy oils to protect the skin from the sun.

#4: Practice pet water safety

Wading and swimming are great ways to help your pet cool down, but exercise caution in water that is over their head. Your pet may not know how to instinctively swim, so outfit them in a safety vest when in deeper water. Additionally, wash your pet off when they have finished playing in the water. Chlorine and chemicals from your pool, and pathogens and salt from ponds, lakes, and oceans, can become trapped in fur, and can be dangerous if ingested when your pet grooms.

#5: Never leave your pet alone in a parked car

On overcast, relatively cool days, a pet still can easily overheat in a parked car. A car’s interior temperature can skyrocket in only a few minutes, despite cracked windows, and your pet can quickly begin to suffer. Leaving the car running with the air conditioning on can also be problematic, because your pet may accidentally hit the gearshift, the air controls, or the keys, and end up in a dangerous situation. When out running errands, leave your pet in the safety and comfort of your home.

#6: Learn heatstroke warning signs in pets

Being able to spot impending heat exhaustion and heatstroke in your pet can save their life. Take immediate action to cool your pet if you notice any of the following heatstroke signs:

  • Heavy panting
  • Thick, stringy drool
  • Lethargy
  • Slowed response
  • Dizziness and difficulty walking
  • Bright red gums
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

If you notice your pet beginning to pant more heavily than normal, or wandering off to lie down in the shade, bring them indoors immediately. Run cool, not cold, water over them, and ensure their head stays above water. Avoid wrapping your pet in wet towels, which will prevent body heat from evaporating. Use a fan to speed up the process. Check your pet’s temperature every five minutes, and discontinue the process once they reach 103 degrees, to prevent inadvertently causing hypothermia.

An overheating situation can rapidly go downhill, so don’t delay in cooling your pet off at the first hint of heatstroke. Contact our Narcoossee Oaks Animal Hospital team for assistance once you have lowered your pet’s temperature to 103 degrees, as they will require additional medical care.