Summer weather has quickly returned, allowing pets and owners to enjoy long-awaited outdoor activities. But as temperatures rise, your pets face serious risks that you might be underestimating. Here are the basics about keeping your pet safe during summer heat while still enjoying outdoor activities together.
Why pets struggle in hot weather
Many animals struggle in the heat because of their thick fur, which traps heat closely to the body. Although shedding season helps reduce the amount of fur during warmer months, many pets still have heavy coats during the summer.
Pets cannot cool themselves as effectively as humans. While humans sweat to regulate body temperature, dogs and cats mainly rely on panting. This causes them to overheat much easier and quicker than humans.
Since moisture is quickly lost through saliva during panting, it can lead to dehydration.
Although all pets are at risk of overheating, senior and overweight animals are especially vulnerable. Their bodies often work harder to support movement, producing more body heat.
Other overlooked causes of overheading include hot pavement, poor ventilation, lack of shade, and being kept in enclosed spaces, such as parked cars, which can reach dangerous temperatures in minutes.
Recognizing the warning signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition for pets that occurs when their body overheats and can no longer regulate its internal temperature. Because pets can’t tell you when they are too hot, it is important to monitor their behaviour and well-being.
Here are some symptoms of a heatstroke to watch out for (Royal Veterinary College, n.d.).
Early signs of heatstroke:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Restlessness or agitation
- Drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Signs of advanced heat stroke:
- Lethargy (not wanting to get up)
- Confusion
- Extreme weakness and collapsing
- Seizures
- Bright red gums
Early signs of heatstroke can sometimes be controlled by cooling down the pet immediately but gradually. For example:
- Move them into a cool, shady area
- Soak a towel in cool (not cold) water and lay it on their neck
- Wet their fur and blow a fan over it to cool them
Advanced heatstroke symptoms require urgent veterinary attention, as they can cause internal damage and lead to death faster than you might imagine. This article has information on emergency vet clinics in Southwestern Ontario.
A useful rule to remember is to cool the pet first and transport them second.
Changing daily routines for hot weather
One of the easiest ways to prevent overheating in pets is by adjusting their daily routine, especially their exercise habits. Outdoor temperatures are usually cooler during the early mornings and late evenings, making those the best times to go for a walk.
Midday temperatures tend to be the hottest part of the day, increasing the risk of overheating and dehydration. Before any walk, make sure to check the pavement temperature to ensure it will not burn your pet’s paws. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for 10 seconds, the pavement is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Simple ways to keep pets cool and comfortable
Providing pets with shaded and cooler areas in the house or yard is equally important during hot weather. Especially on sunny days, keep blinds closed and provide covered resting areas to help reduce indoor temperatures. Using air conditioning and fans inside the house whenever possible also helps keep pets cool. Using air conditioning rather than keeping windows always open also helps to reduce the exposure of your pet to quick weather changes and insects, such as mosquitos.
Read this article to better understand the dangers of insect exposure for your pets, such as mosquitos.
Provide pets with constant access to fresh, cool water by changing their water bowls multiple times a day. Brushing pets regularly also helps reduce excess heat buildup from thick fur. If your pet is non-shedding, have them groomed in the summer to keep them cooler.
Additionally, several cooling methods can double as fun enrichment activities for pets:
- Cooling mats or cooling vests (such as this one from Amazon)
- DIY cooling mats can be made with frozen ice packs inside pillowcases (avoid direct contact with skin to avoid freeze burns)
- Frozen freezer-safe treats
- Frozen lick mats
- Kiddie pools or sprinklers for dogs that enjoy water
Although summer marks an exciting season for both pets and their owners, rising temperatures can become dangerous for animals without the proper precautions. Recognizing the warning signs of overheating, adapting daily routines, and allowing cool environments for your pets, allow to ensure a healthy well-being in pets through these hot months.
