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If it's too hot for your pet, move them to a cool area like an air-conditioned room or shade, offer them cool water, and begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water on their ears, belly, and paw pads. Seek veterinary care immediately, as heatstroke can be a life-threatening emergency and even mild cases can cause internal damage, advises Castle Hills Animal Hospital, PetMD, and Pawlicy Advisor.
Immediate actions
- Move to a cool place: Get your pet out of direct sunlight and into air conditioning or a cool, shady spot.
- Cool them down: Apply cool, not ice-cold, water to their ears, belly, and paw pads.
- Provide water: Offer them small amounts of water to drink if they are conscious.
- Use a fan: A fan can help circulate cool air for them.
- Stop cooling if needed: If you are monitoring their temperature, stop cooling efforts when they reach
103∘F
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to prevent overcooling, recommends Castle Hills Animal Hospital.
- Seek immediate veterinary care: It is crucial to take your pet to a vet right away, even if they start to feel better, because internal organ damage may have already occurred.
- Emergency care: If your regular vet is not available, take your pet to the nearest veterinary emergency room.
- Avoid peak heat: Limit walks and outdoor activities to early mornings or late evenings.
- Check pavement: Test the pavement with your hand to ensure it's not too hot for their paws.
- Provide shade and water: Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water and a shaded area when outdoors.
- Use fans and AC: Keep your home cool with fans or air conditioning, and keep curtains drawn to block heat from windows.
- Use sunscreen: For thin-haired or light-colored pets, use pet-specific sunscreen on sensitive areas like the ears, nose, and belly.
The "7-second rule" is a simple test for dog owners to determine if pavement is too hot for their pet's paws. If you cannot comfortably hold the back of your hand on the surface (like asphalt or concrete) for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws as well. This can help prevent painful burns.
How to use the 7-second rule
- Find a hot pavement surface you plan to walk on with your dog.
- Place the back of your bare hand on the surface for seven seconds.
- If it's too hot for you to hold your hand there comfortably, it is too hot for your dog.
What to do if the pavement is too hot
- Walk your dog during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Take shorter walks.
- Walk on grass or shaded areas when possible.
- Consider a protective dog booties or paw balm.
- Watch for signs of heat distress in your dog, such as excessive panting, and make sure they stay hydrated.
As pet owners, it's our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our furry companions, especially when it comes to hot weather.
Dogs and cats are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and it's crucial to recognize the signs of overheating and take necessary precautions.
In this article, we will guide you through how to tell if it's too hot outside for your pet, along with essential tips to keep them cool and safe during the scorching summer months. RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF OVERHEATING
- Excessive panting and drooling: Dogs and cats regulate their body temperature by panting and sweating through their paws. If you notice your pet panting heavily or excessively drooling, it may indicate they’re struggling to cool down.
- Lethargy and weakness: Heat exhaustion can cause pets to become lethargic, weak, or even collapse. If your pet appears unusually tired or unable to stand or walk properly, it's a clear sign that they're experiencing heat-related distress.
- Rapid heartbeat and heavy breathing: Increased heart rate and rapid, shallow breathing are warning signs of heat stress. Monitor your pet's breathing and check for an elevated pulse, which you can feel by placing your hand on their chest.
- Bright red gums and tongue: Heat can lead to blood vessel dilation, resulting in red gums and tongue. If your pet's oral tissues appear excessively red or even purplish, it indicates a potential heat-related issue.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: Heatstroke can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms, along with dehydration, indicate a critical condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Provide ample fresh water: Make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water, both indoors and outdoors. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool for longer periods.
- Create a cool environment: Ensure your pet has access to shaded areas in your yard and provide them with a cool, well-ventilated indoor space. Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.
- Avoid midday heat: Schedule walks and outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower. Hot pavement can burn your pet's paw pads, so check it with your hand before heading out.
- Use cooling accessories: Utilize cooling mats, bandanas, or vests specially designed for pets to help lower their body temperature. Wet towels or misting them with cool water can also provide relief from the heat.
- Never leave pets in vehicles: It cannot be stressed enough—never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can skyrocket within minutes, putting your pet's life at risk.
- Exercise with caution: Adjust the intensity and duration of outdoor activities according to the weather. Overexertion in hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion, so take frequent breaks and allow your pet to rest in the shade