Hot Weather Safety Tips

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

You never want to assume when it comes to pet safety.

Pet Hot Weather Safety Tips

Pet owners are spending more time outside with their pets in the summer. But the hot weather can be very dangerous for your furry friend. To prevent your pet from overheating, here are some simple precautions.

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly; make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water whether it’s hot or humid outside. Make sure there are shady areas for your pets so they can get out of the sun. Don’t over-exercise them, and keep them inside when it’s extremely hot.
• Make sure you know the symptoms of overheating in your pet:

Excessive panting

Difficulty breathing

Increased heart and respiratory rate

Drooling

Mild weakness

Stupor or collapse

Extreme symptoms:

Seizures

Bloody diarrhea

Vomiting

Elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are at a higher risk of having a heat stroke. It’s because they can’t pant as effectively. Pets that have flat faces, elderly, overweight, or has heart or lung disease, should be kept in areas that are air-conditioned as much as possible.

NEVER leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle during the summer.

When temperatures are high don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. The heat from the asphalt can increase the body temperature; it could also burn the pads on the paws. It’s best to keep walks at a minimum during these times.