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Our furry friends need to stay cool during heat waves just like we do. This summer, keep your pets cool, healthy, and happy with these tips and reminders:
- Keep pets from overheating by recognizing the symptoms. According to the ASPCA, "The symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." It's a good idea to check in with your veterinarian, as some breeds of cats and dogs are more susceptible to heat exhaustion than others.
- Walk your dog when it's cooler outside — in the morning and evening. Avoid walking your dog on the hot pavement. Remember that their bodies are closer to the ground, so they absorb more heat from the pavement, not to mention the asphalt can burn their paw pads. Grass and dirt trails are better for summer walks or try grassy bark parks. Pets will naturally seek shade and pant when they're overheated, so if they are sprawled out on the kitchen floor while you're trying to cook your lunch, that's a good indication they're trying to stay cool.
- Never leave pets in a hot car, even with the windows cracked. The internal temperature of a car can escalate very quickly and cause your pet to suffer heat stroke. As fun as it is to include them in our outings, sometimes it's better to leave them at home in the air-conditioned house on a hot day.
- Make sure they have plenty of water. While this may seem pretty basic, pets become dehydrated much faster on a hot day and might lap up their water faster than usual. Also, don't forget to carry a portable water bowl with you on trips with plenty of extra water on hand for your pet. Amazon carries a variety of pet travel bowls.
- Do leave your air conditioning on for your pets. Domesticated pets rely on us to provide them with most of their comforts, including keeping your apartment cool. While they will naturally seek cooler places in the home to hang out in, they do need consistent temperatures. Extreme heat and cold can be challenging for inside pets and can cause discomfort.
- Don't throw your pet in the water. Not every breed of pet acclimates to water the same way and throwing them in the water or chasing them down with a hose can cause undue stress. Consider filling up a kiddie pool with water and let them seek it out if they so desire. Of course, some breeds, like Labs, are a different story. Typically, a lab will lead you to the water and insist you stay there all day, no matter what the temperature outside is! In general, the better you know your pet's style, breed, and unique needs, the better their health will be in any season.
- Trim, don't shave, unless recommended by your veterinarian. The layers underneath a pet's coat help protect them from extreme weather, including heat and sunburn. Keep their fur trimmed and groomed and brush them often, but shaving a pet won't protect them from heat exposure.
- Counteract the heat blues with some new tricks! If the heat wave has your dog becoming lethargic from lack of exercise, try teaching them a new trick. Mental stimulation will help them from getting bored and can keep them from acting out.
Check out these 33 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors!
We wish you and your furry friends a safe and happy summer. Stay cool out there!
— The Weidner Team