Summer Pet Safety Tips

Summer is here and we’re all counting days till November, and trying to dash from one air-conditioned space to another. What’s worse, some of us still haven’t had our power restored after last week’s hurricane and don’t even have the comfort of the AC.

And if it’s tough for humans, it’s even tougher for animals. Unlike humans, who can sweat to cool down, dogs and cats have limited ways to regulate their body temperature, making them susceptible to overheating and heatstroke—a serious, potentially fatal condition. Fortunately, you can protect your pets by following these simple guidelines:

• Keep pets cool. Ensure they stay indoors (is you have AC) or have access to cool, shaded areas.

• Make sure your pets always have access to fresh water. Carry a portable water bowl and bring water with you whenever you go for a walk, no matter how short.

• Exercise your dog early in the morning or late in the evening, when it’s not as hot.

• Ask your dogwalker to spend time with your dog playing indoors, instead of going for a walk in the middle of the day.

• Remember that concrete and asphalt get very hot and your dog’s paws can burn. If you’re taking your dog out during the day for a quick potty break, chose a path through the grass or a shaded area.

• Never leave your pets in a car, even if you parked in the shade or are going to be gone for just a short time.

• Pay special attention to dogs and cats with short faces (like pugs and boxers or Persian cats); pets that are senior, sick or pregnant. They are at an increased risk of heatstroke.

• Make sure your doggie day care, board and train or other facility that you leave your dog in follows appropriate hot weather protocol.

Watch for signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats:

• Rapid breathing or panting

• Bright red tongue

• Red or pale gums

• Thick, sticky saliva

• Weakness or lethargy

• Dizziness or stumbling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Coma

I asked Dr Kristy Kyle DVM from Bayou City Veterinary Hospital what to doIf you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, and here are her recommendations::

• Move your pet to a shaded/cool environment.

• Cool your animal by hosing it down with tap temperature water, wrapping it with wet towels and/or placing it near a fan.

• Take your pet to the nearest veterinary office or emergency clinic, especially if they cannot stand up and walk on their own.

• Never use very cold water or ice for cooling and take care not to over-cool your pet’s body.

• Never force down water down your pet’s mouth.

• Never leave your pet unattended.

I hope you and your pets stay safe and cool. This summer, too, shall pass and we will all be able to enjoy outdoors again!

And if you’re looking for something ‘cool’ to do with your dog this summer, check out my Drink With Your Dog® Brewery Manners class at Eureka Heights Brewery, staring July 30! Click here to register!