Keeping Your Pets Cool in Hot Weather

Summer weather is one of the best times to get outside and be active with your furry friend.  However, you should keep in mind that your pet reacts differently to heat than you do. Here are some things to keep an eye out for during hot weather:

Pre-hot weather grooming
Before the hot summer days arrive, you may want to consider grooming your pet. Thought your pet does have the natural defense of shedding as the heat approaches, it never hurts to help things along by giving a quick brushing to get out all the loose hair. This can be true particularly for dogs. Also, if your dog has long hair, you might want to cut it down to an inch long or so. Be sure that you never cut down to your dog’s skin.

Shade and water
If your pet is outside a lot, make sure that it has a shady place to rest, with a supply of clean water. On the hottest days, putting a few ice cubes in the dish can help a lot.These are very simple but useful steps to help keep your pet cool.

In the car
If it’s hot outside, you shouldn’t leave your pets unattended in your vehicle. Cars will heat up quickly in the sun and can far exceed the temperature outside.  Even leaving the car running with the air conditioning isn’t a guarantee; since it is possible the car can stop running.

Take it easy

Keep the exercise limited on hot days. If possible, try to keep it to early morning and evening hours on the hottest days. Also, keep in mind that asphalt can be very hot on your pet’s paws, so try to keep to the grass when the sun is bearing down.

If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a shady area or indoors, preferably with air conditioning. Next, apply cold packs to his/her head, neck and chest. An alternative would be to run cool water over your pet (but not cold water). Also, allow your pet to drink water in small amounts or chew ice cubes if possible. Follow with a call to the veterinarian as soon as possible.