How to Keep Pets Safe During Extreme Heat

As temperatures spike, it is crucial to keep your pets safe in the sweltering summer. 

Here are some of the best ways to keep pets cool and comfortable during extreme heat. 

Keeping Pets Cool 

• Hydration: Ensure your pet has access to plenty of water, whether they are indoors or outside. 

• Shade: Provide a shaded area for your pet when they are outdoors. 

• Cooling Gear: To help lower their body temperature, use cool, wet towels or a cooling body wrap or vest. 

• Limit Exercise: Avoid exercising your pet during the hottest parts of the day. 

Signs of Overheating and Heatstroke 

Certain pets are more susceptible to heatstroke. These include very young or old pets, those with respiratory or heart issues, or those who are overweight. Watch for these signs.

• Heavy panting 

• Glazed eyes 

• A rapid heartbeat 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Excessive thirst 

• Lethargy or unresponsiveness 

• Staggering and being unable to stand 

• Profuse salivation 

• Foaming at the mouth 

• Vomiting 

• A deep red or purple tongue or dark red gums 

• Seizures 

• Unconsciousness 

If your pet shows signs of heatstroke, immediately move them to an air-conditioned space. Offer water or ice cubes to lick, apply cool (not cold) towels or ice packs to their head, neck, and chest, or run cool water over them. Then, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Keeping Your Pet Entertained 

Keeping your pet entertained and cool during heatwaves can be challenging but manageable with these activities.

• Indoor Stimulation: Puzzles, laser pointers, indoor obstacle courses, and scent games keep their minds active and help release pent-up energy. 

• Walks at Cooler Times: Walk your pet early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. 

• Water Activities: Set up a kiddie pool or sprinklers in the yard, or visit a local lake to let your dog splash and stay cool. 

• Indoor Play Dates: Arrange play dates with other pet owners indoors, providing new environments for exploration and social interaction. 

Adjusting Their Diet for Summer 

During hot summer days, it is important that your pet is getting plenty of nutrients and hydration. Focus on feeding in the early morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cool.  

• Dogs: Incorporate cucumbers, watermelon, yogurt, and leafy greens to boost hydration. 

• Cats: Provide a moisture-rich diet with wet cat food, homemade soups or broths, and chilled treats like frozen tuna popsicles. 

Protecting Pets from Sunburn 

Pets are susceptible to getting sunburnt, just like we are.

To help prevent sunburns, avoid keeping your pet in direct sunlight for more than 45 minutes at a time and ensure they have plenty of access to shade. Additionally, you can apply sunblock to areas of your pet that are more likely to get burnt where the fur is thinnest, like their nose, ear tips, or stomach.

Use waterproof, kid-safe sunscreen, and apply two layers at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply every two hours or after your pet has been swimming or sweating, and watch your pet to be sure they do not lick it off.

Dangers of Hot Cars 

Never leave pets alone in a hot car for any amount of time. It is dangerous and can be fatal.

Research tells us that even on cooler days, the internal temperature of a car can double the outside temperature in 30 minutes. Many pets start to suffer from heat stroke in less than six minutes while inside a vehicle.  

Remember to keep your pet safe by leaving it at home. If you have to travel with a pet in a car, make sure to travel safely. Keep the pet in a kennel or carrier, and ensure they have proper identification, including a tag with your home address and one with your destination address.

Helping Pets in Shelters 

During the summer, many shelters and rescues experience difficulties due to an increase in the number of pets and low adoption rates, compounded by the extreme heat.

Your donation today will provide essential supplies such as food, pet beds, and vaccinations, ensuring that shelters can keep pets safe and cool.