Beat the Heat: Tips for Keeping Your Pooch Safe this Summer
It’s summer in California, and at Bowman Veterinary Hospital, we know that means fun in the sun for people and pets alike. Part of keeping things cool, though, is minding the heat and keeping everyone safe. If you are wondering about how to recognize heat stroke in pets or about other high temperature hazards, be sure to keep reading for our best summer pet safety tips.
Heat Hazards
When the temperatures rise outside, there are definitely some unique pet dangers to consider. In the summer some of the more common pet safety hazards to pay attention to include:
- Overheating/heatstroke
- Ingestion of ocean, pool, or lake water
- Swimming accidents including drowning
- Burnt or irritated paw pads
- Exposure to herbicides or insecticides
- Sunburn
- Toxic plant ingestion
- Exposure to people food and/or drinks at gatherings
Even just knowing that these dangers are present can help you to take proper precautions and keep your family friend safer.
Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Heatstroke is a life-threatening pet emergency. When body temperatures rise for a prolonged period after exposure to a hot/humid environment or strenuous exercise, serious organ dysfunction can occur.
Most often heat stroke happens when a pet is left in a car, outdoors without shade, or when exercising in the right conditions. Some pets, like seniors or those with short muzzles who cannot cool themselves as effectively, are even more prone.
Knowing how to recognize heat stroke in pets can save lives. Pay attention if you notice your pet:
- Panting heavily
- Acting agitated or distressed
- Becoming lethargic or less interested in their surroundings
- Drooling heavily
As things progress, pets may also have breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion, or even seizures.
Heat stroke is nothing to take lightly. It is vital to bring your pet into a cool environment, offer water if they are able to drink, and seek emergency care.
Keeping Your Cool
Keeping your pet safe this summer doesn’t have to be hard. Be sure to look at all of our pet safety pointers and maximize your fun this season:
- Get a checkup: Contact us to get your pet in for a checkup. Making sure that animals are healthy in the most trying parts of the year can set them up for success. It also helps us to have an opportunity to discuss conditions that might increase their vulnerability to problems like overheating, such as being brachycephalic (flat faced like a bulldog or pug).
- Make sure preventives are on point: Prevention like heartworm, flea, and tick products are always important, but even more so in the summer months.
- Get/update microchips: Check to make sure that your pet is microchipped and that the registration information is accurate. This step makes your pet slipping out the door during a barbeque a little less terrifying.
- Treat the sun with respect: The sun is a powerful entity. Try to limit outdoor activities to the early morning and early evening hours when the rays are not at peak intensity. Be sure that your pet always has access to fresh, clean water to encourage hydration. Never shave your pet’s longer coat, as this can remove insulation against the sun and increase risk of sunburn. Also, don’t let your pet linger on hot asphalt or sand.
- Spend time together: If you aren’t with your pet, you can’t be alert to a problem or recognize early signs of heat exhaustion. Leaving your pet unattended in a car, the backyard, or around a pool are all big no-nos.
Summer can be hot, but with some forethought, it can be fun for everyone. Please be safe out there and enjoy this beautiful time of year!