Protecting your Pets in Extreme Summer Heat

Protecting your Pets in extreme summer heat:

Living in areas where summer temperatures can soar to 50 degrees Celsius presents unique challenges for pet owners. For pets, this kind of intense heat might be hazardous. It’s critical to recognize the dangers and take preventative action to avoid heat-related problems. Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe on hot summer days.

Pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans. For example, dogs mainly use panting to stay cool, but this, is insufficient during intense heat.

Here are some tips to remember during heatwaves:

• Keep pets indoors during peak heat hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Only allow short, supervised outdoor breaks.
• Provide constant access to fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes to the water bowl to keep it cooler for longer. You can also add multiple water sources around your home and in the garden.
• Ensure your home is well-ventilated. Use fans, air conditioning, or cooling mats to keep your pet comfortable.
• Never leave pets in the car, even with windows open, temperatures inside cars can reach dangerous levels quickly.
• Sand, pavement, and other surfaces can get extremely hot, which can burn and blister your pet’s paws. Therefore, before taking your pet outside, place your hand on the ground for a few seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet. You can also use booties to shield your pet’s paws from hot surfaces, grass or shaded areas are always safer to walk on.

Be prepared for emergencies:

In extreme heat conditions, it’s vital to be prepared for emergencies. The normal temperature range for dogs and cats is between 37.5-39.2°C . Be aware of heatstroke symptoms in pets: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. Have a plan in place for cooling your pet quickly (use cool water baths, and wet towels), and know the location of the nearest emergency vet.

Even if your pet seems to be recovering, it’s vital to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately visible.

Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition, but prompt action can save your pet’s life. Living in areas with extreme summer temperatures requires extra vigilance to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy. By taking these preventative measures and staying alert, you can protect your pets from the dangers of intense heat and enjoy a worry-free summer together.

Written by Marie Therese Alkassis, Veterinarian