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Understanding the Risks: How Heat Affects Pets
Did you know pets are vulnerable to the same heat-related issues that affect humans? Sunburn, dehydration, and heatstroke pose serious risks to our four-legged family members. Dogs and cats have different ways of regulating their body temperature than humans. While humans can sweat to cool down, dogs primarily rely on panting to release heat, and cats groom themselves to stay cool. However, these methods are not always enough when temperatures soar.
Protecting Your Pets: 8 Expert Tips for Summer Safety
To ensure your pet stays safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year, consider these expert-recommended practices:
1. Slather on Sunscreen
Pets, especially those with short hair, light-colored fur, or exposed skin, can get sunburned, which can lead to skin cancer and other serious health issues. Even if your pet has luscious, protective locks, there may still be areas on their body that would benefit from sunscreen, namely those with less fur, like the nose, ears, and belly.
NOTE: It’s essential to use sunscreen made explicitly for animals because most sunscreens for humans contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are toxic to pets if ingested.
K-9 Care Sunscreen is a recommended option. Sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours when the pet is out in the sun to help ensure the best protection possible. Pet owners can also purchase bandannas, vests, hats, and booties (for hot pavement) for their pets as extra protection (and flair) while on walks.
2. Look for Signs of Heatstroke
Understanding the symptoms of heatstroke can save your pet’s life. Early warning signs include heavy panting, lethargy, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, staggering, and bright red gum color. Recognizing and promptly addressing the early signs of heat-related illnesses can prevent serious complications.
If you suspect a heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a cooler area, use a hand fan on them, apply room-temperature water to their body, and contact your veterinarian. If you don’t act promptly when a pet has a heatstroke, it can lead to kidney failure, lung injury, and brain damage.
3. Keep Them Hydrated
Pets can become dehydrated quickly, leading to heatstroke. Temperatures above 80 degrees can be too hot for pets. To prevent that from happening, have bowls in different areas of your home and yard, and be sure to bring a portable bowl and a water bottle for your dog while on a walk. You could also add a few ice cubes to their water. Dogs require 60 to 80 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight, and cats require 40 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight.
4. Avoid Midday Walks
The midday sun is the most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., making that the worst time for outdoor activities with pets. Adjust your schedule to walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. If you have an outdoor cat, consider keeping it inside during this window of time. Protective booties may help a pet feel more comfortable on walks.
Not sure if it’s too hot for your pet outside? Try touching the ground with your bare hands. If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for more than seven seconds, then it is too hot for animal paws.
5. Groom Them—But Not Too Much
Regular haircuts can help prevent dogs from overheating, but don’t get overzealous and shave your dog or cat down to the skin, as this can increase the risk of sunburn. Some breeds have fur that provides natural insulation against both heat and cold. Thick-coated breeds and those with double coats, like Australian Shepherds, Alaskan Huskies, and Golden Retrievers, are better at conserving heat in cool temperatures. Experts say double coats can also help the animal stay cool in hot temperatures, as the undercoat usually stands upright and may allow improved airflow closer to the skin. Consult with a veterinarian before grooming such breeds.
6. Create a Cool Space
Ensure your pet has a cool place to retreat indoors. This could be a room with air conditioning, a fan, or even a cooling mat designed for pets. A sprinkler toy, freeze toy, and bone-shaped ice mold are other great cooling options. You can keep your pet entertained with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games. This can help them burn energy without the risk of overheating. Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise.
7. Know the Peculiarities of Your Pet’s Breed
Certain breeds are more prone to heat-related issues. All dogs can develop heatstroke, but some may be more at risk than others. Dogs that are overweight, flat-faced, or more energetic have a higher chance of developing heatstroke, and the same dog and cat breeds that are at risk of being sunburned may also be at greater risk.
8. Stay Informed and Proactive
Monitor weather forecasts for heat advisories, and adjust your plans accordingly to keep your pets out of harm’s way.
As a dedicated pet owner, you play a vital role in ensuring your furry friends' summer pet safety. If you're looking for a new home for you and your pet, check out my current listings. See something you like? Feel free to call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Woof!
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