Give Pets the Coolest Summer Ever
Protect Dogs and Cats from the Heat
When the summer heat and humidity start to rise, it’s important to understand how pets are affected by the spike in temperature and take the necessary precautions to keep them cool and comfortable.
H2O Is a Pet’s Best Friend
Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t cool off by sweating. Instead, they lose heat and moisture from their tongues by panting. This water loss needs to be replaced, so it’s important to keep fresh drinking water available at all times. This is especially important when you take pets out for long summer walks or car rides.
Keep the Bugs Off
Warm weather, longer days and summer fun keep us and our pets outdoors more often, increasing our chances of running into those pesky fleas and mosquitoes. Fleas and mosquitoes can transmit a number of diseases including tapeworm, heartworm and even West Nile virus. During the summer months, be sure your dog or cat is tested for heartworm and that you’re using veterinarian-recommended flea and heartworm preventive products.
It’s a Breed Thing
Yes, it’s true. Not all breeds are alike—some can have a more difficult time in the summer than others. Flat-nosed breeds such as Pekingese, pugs and bulldogs, for example, have a harder time staying cool than long-nosed dogs because their shortened nasal and oral cavities don’t allow them to breathe as efficiently. Learn more about your pet’s particular needs by talking to your veterinarian.
Grooming Is Cool
Common sense would lead you to believe that animals with longer hair would be cooler in the summer if you gave them a “haircut.” However, just as a pet’s coat insulates against cold, it also insulates against heat. Be sure to brush your pet’s hair regularly to get rid of mats and tangles and remove loose undercoat. The more you brush, the more the hair “breathes.”
High Noon Is No Time for Exercising
If you’re used to taking your dog for a walk mid-day, consider changing to early morning or late afternoon walks during the summer. Hot pavement can burn a dog’s paw pads, and walking outdoors during the hottest time of the day can lead to heat stress. After the summer is over, feel free to return to your usual schedule.
Don’t Park Your Pet
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, not even for a few minutes. The air in a parked car doesn’t circulate and, even in the shade, the temperature in a vehicle will start to rise and can become life threatening in just a few minutes.