Summer is here, which makes it the perfect time for pet owners to have a quick refresh on summer safety for their furry friends. With summers getting warmer each year in BC, the hottest days can be hard enough for us people, let alone our fur-covered companions. In this guide, we’ll cover some tips to help your pets stay cool and safe on even the hottest summer days. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Is Hot Weather Hazardous for Pets?
While we may not think of sweating as a particularly desirable thing, it actually plays a key role in regulating our body temperatures. Sweat draws heat away from the body, helping to cool us down and prevent overheating.
Instead of sweating, dogs regulate their body temperature by panting and through the very few sweat glands on their paws. This, plus their coat of warm fur, means dogs are far more prone to overheating than people. The same goes for cats, who can sweat a little bit, but not enough to completely cool down.
Because our pets aren’t able to efficiently keep themselves cool, it’s essential that we practice hot weather safety tips. Otherwise, our furry friends run the risk of overheating, which can eventually lead to hyperthermia (otherwise known as heat exhaustion). Hyperthermia can be a very serious condition if left untreated, and it doesn’t have to be an extremely hot day to happen. When you consider the many possible effects of heat stroke and heat exhaustion on pets, it’s clear to see why prevention is the best approach.
Now, without further ado, here are seven ways to help your pets stay cool this summer:
1. Practice Car Safety
Despite efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, this is still sadly a common cause of heat-related health issues in pets. Never leave a cat or dog unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes, even if the windows are cracked. Even a short amount of time in a parked car under direct sunlight can cause unbearable heat for your pet, causing them to develop symptoms of heat stroke and dehydration within minutes.
For more information, be sure to read our previous article, Safety Tips for Pets in Cars During Summer.
2. Make Sure Water Is Always Available
Pets of all kinds need unlimited access to fresh, cool water, especially in the summertime. If you take your dog on a walk or an outdoor adventure, make sure you pack plenty of water and portable bowls for them to drink from. If you have an indoor cat at home, place water bowls around the house to make sure they’re always close to their next sip. You can even add ice cubes to your pet’s water bowl to help them cool down more easily. Exact water needs depend on your pet’s species, breed, and size, but it’s generally a good idea to have at least a couple of litres (and a way to serve it) on hand at all times, no matter where you are.
3. Plan Outdoor Activities Around Shade
If you’re looking to take your pup on a hike this summer, make sure you choose a route with plenty of shade along the way. The heat of direct sunlight can quickly become unbearable for your pet—usually much sooner than you’ll notice it—causing them to become dehydrated or develop heat stroke. The same goes for hanging out at the park or beach with your pup—make sure there is ample shade nearby for your dog to rest in, and place their water in this area as well.
For indoor cats, it’s usually easier to create a shady spot. We recommend moving your cat’s bed to a cooler spot in the home during summer, which will ensure your kitty doesn’t have to choose between a comfy sleep and safe temperatures.
4. Keep Air Circulating at Home
For cats and dogs alike, air circulation is essential for keeping your home temperature down and your pets safe. Cool, circulating air helps keep your pets calm and cool. An air conditioner is the best solution, as this directly cools down your home.
If you don’t have an AC, there are other ways you can help your pups stay at a safe temperature. Opening a window is a good start, and you can help move the air more quickly by placing a fan in front of it. Another idea is to set up your pet in front of a fan that’s blowing air over a bowl of ice. This rudimentary air conditioner can be very helpful for pets trying to beat the heat on extremely hot days.
5. Cool Your Pet Down Directly
If you’re worried that your pet is starting to overheat, it’s important that you take steps to help them cool off right away. Rubbing a cool, wet cloth laid on your cat or dog can be a great way to soothe and cool them, while other pets might enjoy being lightly misted with water from a spray bottle. If you have a pool or a body of water, your dog might enjoy going for a swim, while cats might appreciate an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to lie on, or a nice fan to sit in front of. Note that not all dogs are strong swimmers, so if you decide to take your pet for a swim, always stay very close and supervise them carefully.
Another important note is to never use ice water to cool down a hot pet. While cool water is usually fine, very cold water can actually cool a pet down too quickly, which poses hazards to their health and safety. It’s better to use moderately cold water to help them cool off gradually.
6. Exercise with Care
Exercise is essential to keeping your pets healthy, but it’s easy to overdo it when the weather is hot. This is especially true for certain breeds of dogs such as pugs or bulldogs, which can have difficulty breathing in hot weather.
To help your dog stay healthy while avoiding heat hazards, plan walks during the cooler parts of the day, limit high-intensity games and exercise, and try to vary the surfaces you walk them on. If you have to walk your dog on asphalt in the summer heat, it might be worth buying some booties to protect their sensitive paws.
Cats are generally better at moderating their activity, however you can still help them avoid heat exhaustion by letting them relax during the heat of the day, and playing with them in the morning or evening when it’s cooler in the home.
7. Learn the Signs of Heat Stroke and Dehydration
Last but not least, it’s vital that pet owners understand the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and conditions. The main ones to be aware of are heat stroke, heat exhaustion (hyperthermia), and dehydration. In general, your pet is probably overheating if you notice the following symptoms:
- Fast breathing
- Agitation/restlessness
- Panting or shallow breathing
- Drooling
- Excessive grooming (cats only)
- Warm, red ears (rabbits only)
- Lethargy
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Seizures (only in extreme cases)
If you notice these signs on a hot day, your pet is in need of medical attention. If the symptoms are mild, you may be able to cool your pet down with cool water and wet cloths. However if they are more serious or not improving, they need emergency care from a veterinarian straight away.
By following these tips, you’ll have invaluable peace of mind knowing your four-legged friends can stay safe, healthy, and happy no matter the weather outside. Have a great summer!
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Hastings Veterinary Hospital and a clickable link back to this page.
