How to Keep Your Pets Safe During a Heatwave

Sweltering summer heat waves can be dangerous for pets. I love my pets just like family, and I know many of you feel the same way. So, I wanted to share some tips for keeping our pets safe and comfortable during times of extreme heat.

Keep them hydrated

Water is essential. Make sure that your pets’ water bowl is always filled with water. You can add ice cubes to the water bowl to keep the water cool. If you’re going to be out for a walk or drive, bring a bottle of water and a bowl so your pet can stay hydrated.

Keep them cool

Dogs and cats can suffer from life-threatening heatstroke, so it’s important to keep them cool during a heatwave. Provide them with a cool place to rest like a shaded area or a fan or air-conditioned room. You can also wet your pet’s fur with a spray from the garden hose. I sometimes use a damp towel or soak a T-shirt with cold water and drape it over their neck to cool them down.

Never leave your pets in a parked car

Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car quickly reaches dangerous levels. This causes heat exhaustion and can be fatal. If you’ll need to shop or run errands, leave your pet at home in a cool area.

Keep them well-groomed

Brushing your pet’s fur regularly helps remove dead hair and allows more air to circulate around their skin, keeping them cooler. If your pet has long hair, consider giving them a summer haircut.

Provide them with a cooling mat

A cooling mat can give your dogs and cats relief from the heat. These mats stay cool without the need for electricity or refrigeration. You can find cooling mats online or at pet stores.

Exercise your pets during the cooler hours of the day

Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. The pavement is way too hot for their paws and can cause burns and blisters. Take your dog for a walk during the cooler times of the day.  Early morning or late evening.

Know the signs of heatstroke

Some of the symptoms of heatstroke are drooling, heavy panting, diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting and collapsing. If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, call a veterinary clinic for advice.

Our pets are part of the family. It’s up to us to take good care of them during extremely hot weather. Stay cool and enjoy the summer with your pets.