Many of us live where it is already hot and often
humid...and official summer is coming up soon.
When it's hot outside, we often try to do our tasks and errands early in the day before temperatures rise. We may turn on the A/C in our homes
and in our cars. A glass of iced water or iced tea is often within reach.
We usually remember to keep ourselves cool. But what about our pets? They also need special care in the summer to stay cool and healthy.
1. Be sure clean water is always available, especially if your pets are usually outdoors. Dehydration can happen fast with severe consequences. Take water along when you walk your dog. There are some handy portable water bottles and dishes made especially for pets. Many attach easily to backpacks if your dog is your hiking companion. 2. Be aware of how hot the sidewalk is. If it feels hot to your hands or bare feet, it feels hot to your pet’s feet. Either walk at a cooler time or let your pet walk on the grass to keep their paws cool. Limiting outdoor exercise on hot days is a good idea too.
3. If your pets spend time outdoors, be sure they have shady places. A dog house does not count; an enclosed space may get extra overly warm.
4. Know the signs of heatstroke in pets—glazed eyes, heavy
panting or excessive salivation, rapid heartbeat, lethargy or weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you suspect heatstroke, give them cool water, and use cool (not cold) towels around their heads and chests. Get them to a vet.
5. Never leave your pet
in the car, even with the windows cracked open. The car only takes a few minutes to reach over 100 degrees inside.
6. Avoid sunburn. If your pet is a hairless or short-haired breed, it can get sunburned.
7. If your pet attends a backyard barbecue with you, keep an eye on them. Lots of foods can be poisonous. Avoid chocolate, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, raisins, grapes, and onions. Many pets do not always have a natural aversion to what is toxic to them.
8. Pets can be frightened by fireworks. Keep them safe and less anxious by bringing them inside if fireworks are expected.
9. Not all pets, even dogs, are
natural swimmers. Keep an eye on them around pools and lakes, and rinse them off if they go for a swim to remove chemicals from their fur.
Many of us would feel lost without our pets. Let’s do all we can to keep our furry family members safe and comfortable in the summer
heat.
