Safety: Help Your Pets Keep Their Cool
By Michele Blandino
As the outdoor temperatures climb, it is not uncommon for people to take refuge indoors and seek the cool comfort of air-conditioning. And, while we all know that extremely hot and humid weather can take its toll on the elderly and very young, many people don’t realize the effects that the same conditions can have on their pets.
Like people, pets – particularly dogs – can have a difficult time tolerating the heat and may need extra care during the peak summer months. Here are a few things you can do to help your dog remain more comfortable this summer.
Come On Inside
If your dog is an outdoor pet, consider bringing him inside when the temperatures climb. This is particularly true for older dogs whose respiratory systems may be failing. If you need to be away from home for a large portion of the day and are reluctant to let the dog have full run of your house, consider crating him or confining him to one particular room. If, on the other hand, your dog is young and relatively healthy, he can probably remain outdoors assuming there is plenty of shade and he is provided with fresh, cool water.
Exercise is Still Important
If you do decide to bring your pet indoors to escape the heat, it is important that they still get regular exercise. In extreme temperatures, try to schedule your walks for the early morning hours or in the evening when it is not likely to be as hot. Also, try to confine your walks to places where there is plenty of grass; asphalt pavement tends to hold the heat for quite some time and can burn your pet’s paws.
Aside from their daily walk, if your dog seems to be content to lie under a tree, let him and leave the games that involve running and chasing for a cooler day.
Some Warning Signs
Like humans, it is entirely possible for dogs to suffer from heat-related stress. The typical signs to watch for are extremely heavy panting, a rapid pulse, eyes that appear to be glazed over, general unsteadiness on their feet, and vomiting. If your pet begins to show some or all of these signs, it is important that you attempt to reduce their body temperature. You can do this by pouring cool water (be sure the water is not too cold, this could lead to shock) over their body and giving them ice cubes to drink. Once you think the dog’s condition has stabilized, you should bring it to the veterinarian to be examined.
Finally, under no circumstances should you leave your pet inside your car. It has been well documented that the temperature inside a car can rise to 120 degrees within a matter of minutes – even with the windows left open a crack – which can cause fatal heat stroke.
