1. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even a short time can be deadly and leaving
the A/C running is no guarantee. Technology fails and then the A/C unit blows hot air.
2. Watch the humidity. Pets can become overheated and suffer
heat stroke due to high humidity not just high temperatures.
3. Dogs and cats with short noses (Brachycephalic) are even more
vulnerable to high temperatures and humidity as they have a harder
time breathing and panting to cool themselves off.
4. Paws on hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot
then it is too hot for your pet's paws.
5. Limit exercise. Only exercise with your pet in the early morning
and later in the evenings if the temps have cooled down and the
humidity levels are acceptable. If not then keep your pet home!
6. Don't rely on a fan. Animals respond to heat differently than
humans do and fans do not cool them off as effectively as they do
for you.
7. Provide ample shade and water anytime your pet is outside. Tree shade and tarps work well because they do not interfere with air flow. Dog houses make things worse for your pet.
Provide plenty of fresh, cold water, adding ice helps.
8. Cool your pet inside and out. Take a look at our recipes for dog and cat friendly cold treats.
9. Watch for signs of heatstroke. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.
10. What to do for heatstroke. Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.
