How to keep pets safe and cool this summer

Heatstroke prevention during hot summers

The summer heat has arrived late, so now is a great time to get outside. But be aware that hot weather can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for pets.

Because they are covered in fur and have limited ability to cool themselves, special care should be taken to ensure they are safe and comfortable, especially during heat waves.

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe and happy this summer.

Leave your pets at home, not in hot cars

Parked vehicles in hot weather can be very dangerous for animals and can even be deadly. In fact, according to officials, dogs left in hot cars can die within 10 minutes. Learn what to do if your pet is found alone in a car on a hot summer day.

Plan ahead and leave your pet at home while you run errands. Taking steps to cool your home will make your pet feel more comfortable, and you’ll be happy to return to cooler temperatures.

Keep your pet comfortable and safe at home

When your pet is at home, follow these tips to keep them safe and comfortable:

• If you open windows to let cool air into your home, make sure the windows have secure lockable windows to prevent your dog or cat from escaping or accidentally falling out.
• Make sure your pet’s ID tag has your contact information. If you have a house cat, consider writing “house cat” on the tag. That way, if they get out and are spotted, neighbors will know they shouldn’t be running around outside.
• If your pet has free range in your home while you’re away, leave doors open to darker, cooler areas – such as doors to the bathroom or basement – so they have a cool place to hang out.
• If you keep your dog in a crate while you’re away, place the crate in a cool room and consider purchasing a cooling pad to place inside. These pads are made of a special cooling gel that is activated by pressure from your pet’s body.

Of course, always have an ample supply of fresh water.

Take your pet outside, but not in the midday heat

Remember these tips so you can both make the most of your outdoor adventures:

Choose early morning and evening walks.
Watch for signs of overheating in your pet. Learn the signs of heat stroke in your pet.
If your dog loves playing in the water, take them to a local lake or river to cool off. Some of our recreation areas have dog-friendly areas where you can relax with your dog.
Be extra careful with brachycephalic dogs

Your bulldog, boxer, pug or shih tzu may want to run in the heat, but as a brachycephalic dog, they are not suited to this. A short nose is not conducive to panting, which is a dog’s main weapon against overheating.

Take extra care of your dog and watch for signs of problems such as:

• Breathing difficulties
  Panning seems too labored
  Difficulty walking
  Vomiting
  Glassy eyes
  Continuous snoring
  Watch food at barbecues

Keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they don’t eat food they shouldn’t during summer barbecues and parties. Foods such as raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products containing the sweetener xylitol can be deadly for pets. Alcoholic beverages can cause intoxication and coma.

Shaving your pet’s hair may backfire

Depending on the breed, shaving your dog or cat to help them stay cool may actually have the opposite effect. The fur of many animals is designed to act as an insulator, allowing cool air to stay close to the skin when temperatures rise.

Shaving all (or most) of their hair also destroys their skin’s first line of defense against sunburn, branches, and other hazards. Instead of shaving, a trim and regular combing to increase air circulation should do the trick.

If you’re unsure about proper combing techniques to keep your pet safe and comfortable, consult your veterinarian.