The Weekly Woof by KT Pet Supply

For most people, summer is a time for fun, travel, and plenty of outdoor activities. But, for our furry friends, summer can be an extremely dangerous time. One of the major threats to a pet’s health during the hot summer months is heat stroke. The consequences of heat stroke range from brain damage to death, so keep a close watch on your pet when she’s outside when it’s hot.

The signs of heat stroke include heavy breathing or panting, seizures, a rapid heartbeat, red gums, dry or pale gums, overall weakness, drooling, and an elevated temperature. Should you notice the warning signs of heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Like humans, pets can also suffer from sunburn and dehydration, so make sure your pet is never exposed directly to the sun without having shade to which she can escape. Furthermore, ensure she has plenty of fresh, cold water to help her stay hydrated.

Tip One: Never leave your pet alone in your vehicle

Never leave your pet unattended in a car, especially in the summer. Parking in the shade and leaving a window cracked is no match for the summer heat. In fact, on an 85 degree day, the temperature inside your car will soar to 102 degrees in only ten minutes and 130 degrees in 30 minutes. Leave your pet at home than rather risking possible brain damage and/or death from heat stroke.

Tip Two: Limit outdoor play time and walks

Afternoon is generally the hottest part of the day during the summer, so restrict your pet’s playtime and walks to mornings and evenings to avoid the heat and humidity. If you must keep your pet outside, give her plenty of fresh water and make sure there are shaded areas where she can escape from the hot sun. Even with shade and fresh water, check on your pet frequently and bring her inside if she wants in.

Tip Three: Give your pet plenty of fresh water

When you travel with your pet, always bring a gallon of fresh, cold water to protect against dehydration. By the same token, if you take your dog for a walk, carry a bottle of water and a drinking bowl, so she can drink when she gets hot.

Tip Four: Don’t overdo it

If you must take your pet for a walk when it’s hot, don’t over do it. Your pet’s feet are susceptible to burns from the hot concrete.

Tip Five: Groom your pet

Groom your pet daily. Some dogs and rabbits need shaved periodically, and while they should be shaved as normal, you must leave at least a thin layer of fur to protect them from the hot summer sun. (Rabbits, however, should never be left outdoors unattended.)

Brush your pet every day to help get rid of old fur and to keep her coat healthy.

Tip Six: Buy a child’s pool

Children’s pools are a great way to get relief from the hot summer sun. If you have a large dog, give her a child’s swimming pool with fresh, clean water. That way, if your dog gets hot while she’s outside, she can simply jump in the pool to cool down.

However, if you have a swimming pool, keep a close watch on your pet and, if possible, restrict any access to the swimming pool. Unfortunately, countless pets die of drowning every summer, so be aware of where your pet is at all times when she is near the pool.

Tip Seven: Be prepared for power outages

What happens if your pet is home alone, with the air conditioner running to keep her cool, and the power goes out? Be prepared for power outages by asking a friend in your neighborhood to check on your pet during power outages. A home can quickly become a sauna when the windows are shut and the air conditioner isn’t working.

Tip Eight: Leave your pet at home

Sometimes it’s just better to leave your pet at home, especially if you’re going to the beach. Unless you are certain there will be shade for your pet, just leave her at home. In addition to the possibility of dehydration and heat stroke from the direct sun, your pet risks burning her feet from the hot sand and concrete.

If you do take your pet to the beach, make sure you give her plenty of fresh, cold water to ensure she does not become dehydrated. Keeping your pet cool and healthy during the summer isn’t difficult; however, it does require effort and vigilance.

Beth Williams is a full-time writer, published author, and co-founder of Creative Inklings LC, a full service writing firm found at http://www.creativeinklings.org

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