In the heat, keep your pets safe – Pets Safety Tips

Last Updated on September 30, 2022 by Dogs Vets

In the heat, keep your pets safe 

 

The summer months can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people.

It’s difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results.

 

Practice basic summer safety

Keep pets inside. Even if your pets cannot go outside, they can still become extremely hot and uncomfortable inside.

It is essential to shield them from the sun’s rays, especially if you reside in a region with high heat indices. (For more information on heat hazards for dogs, see our article Heat Hazards for Dogs.)

Do not allow dogs to play outside during the midday sun. This is hazardous for both humans and animals, as it increases their risk of overheating from excessive exercise or chasing a ball or Frisbee on a warm day.

If you must let your dog run around outside in the middle of the day, be sure to provide him with plenty of water.

It is essential to be ready for summer weather. Ensure that your family is aware of the most recent safety tips and is prepared for potential power outages.

As temperatures rise, prevent heatstroke in pets by taking precautions. Learn the symptoms of heatstroke and what you can do this summer to keep your pet safe.

You may have read about a dog that died after being left in a hot car for more than two hours. This is a horrible way to die, but if you’re not careful, it’s not uncommon.

Check out the ASPCA’s recommendations for keeping your pet cool during hot weather.

The American Red Cross provides a comprehensive list of animal-friendly emergency shelters during severe storms.

If you reside in an area prone to severe thunderstorms, you must take precautions to protect your dog. Here are some tips to keep your pet cool and safe during the summer months:

Ensure that your pet has ample water and shade. If possible, the American Red Cross suggests giving them two cups of water daily and placing a fan or umbrella nearby.

Avoid leaving your pet outside in extreme heat, especially when a storm is brewing.

Hot air can rapidly dehydrate dogs, making them more prone to heatstroke and other storm-related injuries.

If your pet begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, immediately administer water and seek veterinary care. Remember to never leave your pets unattended, even for a short time, during hot weather.

 

Hot Weather: Keep Pets Cool

Summertime is hot, and that means it’s time for outdoor activities with friends and family. While spending time outdoors is great, it’s important to keep your pets safe too.

Make sure to keep them cool by keeping them inside if possible, but if that’s not possible, find a shady spot outside where they can stay safe from the sun.

Also, make sure to keep water and ice nearby so your pet can cool down quickly. And of course, make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade so you and your pet don’t heat up too much.

 

Tips for keeping your pet safe in the heat

Summertime is hot, and that means it’s time for pets and their owners to get ready for some heatstroke.

Take some simple steps to keep your pet safe in the heat, and you’ll be all set.

Make sure to keep your home cooler for both of you. This can be done by opening windows when it’s cooled down outside, turning off air conditioning when it’s not needed, and so on.

Make sure your pet has plenty of water and shade, and keep them close if you can.

If your pet is already sick or stressed, the heat might make their condition worse. So, be extra vigilant this summer and make sure to keep them safe!

 

Practice basic summer safety

In the summer heat, it’s important to keep your pets safe.

Make sure all outdoor equipment is secured so they cannot escape, keep doors and windows closed when temperatures are warm outside, provide plenty of water, food and shade, and keep them safe by following these basic tips:

Make sure your pet is hydrated, fed and properly shaded, and make sure all outdoor equipment is secured.

With these simple precautions, you’ll be able to keep your furry friend safe and cool during summer heat waves.

 

Cool your pet inside and out

Summertime is hot, and that means pet owners have to take extra precautions to keep their furry friends safe.

Here are four tips to keep your pets safe in the heat:

Always make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag. When the weather gets hot, make sure they’re safe indoors too.

Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and water dishes, and plenty of room to sunbathe and run around.

Keep them away from dangerous appliances and chemicals – they don’t know what’s good for them!

 

How to keep a dog cool in the heat

The heat can be tough on both humans and our furry friends. To help keep them safe and cool, follow these Pets Safety Tips:

Check your dog’s feet for blisters- dogs get sunburned easily on their paws.

Make sure your dog is active by taking them for walks or playing fetch in the air-conditioned house.

Keep YOUR PET’S hydrated by providing them with plenty of water and food.

If you do have to leave your pet inside during extreme heat, make sure they have plenty of water and food, and a shade area if they’re outdoors.

 

Tips on keeping your pets safe in the heat

The heat can be dangerous for both you and your pets. Make sure to take extra precautions when leaving them unattended in vehicles, and always bring along their food and water.

If you’re having trouble keeping them safe, call a veterinarian for advice.

Make sure to provide them with plenty of water and shade, and avoid giving them too much exercise in the heat.

Additionally, give them a cool bath or shower when they start to feel hot – this will help them cool down quickly.

 

Don’t rely on a fan

A fan can be dangerous to your pet. It could blow the heat back onto your pet and cause additional harm.

Fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as people, and they respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for example, sweat primarily through their feet.)

The best way to cool a dog is with an ice pack. Place an ice pack on your dog’s head, neck, or groin for 10 minutes every 30 minutes until his temperature drops below 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius).

Then use another ice pack in the same place for 10 minutes before moving on to another spot. Be sure not to put a hot object such as a bowl of water on top of the ice packs; it could melt them.

If you are concerned about keeping your pet cool, call your veterinarian or take him/her to the vet clinic if possible.

 

How to treat a pet suffering from heatstroke

Keeping your pets safe during summer weather can be a challenge, but by following a few simple tips, you can make it a lot easier.

One of the most important things to do is to keep them hydrated.

Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade, and if they start to show any signs of heatstroke, act fast and take them to the vet for treatment.

In addition, make sure you’re familiar with the signs of heatstroke and know how to treat it. Prevention is key – follow these tips to help keep your pets safe this summer:

 

Hot Weather Safety Tips

We all enjoy spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but it can be dangerous to be too eager in hot weather.

To prevent your pet from overheating, the ASPCA suggests the following simple measures: 

Visit the veterinarian for a checkup in the spring or early summer. Ensure that your pets are tested for heartworms if they are not on year-round preventatives.

When it is hot or humid outside, provide your pet with plenty of fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration.

Ensure that your pets have a shady place to escape the sun, avoid over-exercising them, and keep them inside during extreme heat.

A pet’s overheating symptoms include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse.

In addition to seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, other symptoms include a body temperature greater than 104 degrees.

Flat-faced animals, such as Pugs and Persian cats, are more prone to heat stroke because they cannot pant as effectively. These animals, along with the elderly, the obese, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept as cool as possible in air-conditioned rooms.

Never leave your pets in a parked vehicle alone. Not only can it result in fatal heat stroke, but in several states it is also illegal!

Do not leave pets unattended near a swimming pool; not all dogs are strong swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually, and ensure that they are wearing flotation devices when on boats.

Rinse your dog’s fur after swimming to remove chlorine or salt, and try to prevent him from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.

Pets frequently fall out of open, unscreened windows, posing a severe hazard. Keep your home’s unscreened windows and doors shut, and ensure that all adjustable screens are securely fastened.

Feel free to trim your dog’s longer hair, but never shave him:

The multiple layers of their fur protect dogs from overheating and sunburn.

Frequent brushing of cats can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.

In addition, make sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent you use on your pet is labeled for animal use.

When temperatures are extremely high, do not allow your dog to linger on asphalt.

Due to its proximity to the ground, your dog’s body can quickly overheat, causing its sensitive paw pads to burn. Keep walks to a minimum during these times.

Common rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides are toxic to cats and dogs if they are ingested, so keep them out of their reach.

Additionally, keep citronella candles, tiki torch products, and insect coils out of the reach of your pet.

If you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Remember that common foods and beverages found at barbecues can be toxic to pets. Keep pets away from alcoholic beverages, as they can cause intoxication, depression, and comas.

Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human companions should not be given to your pet as a treat; any change in diet, even for a single meal, can cause your dog or cat to develop severe digestive issues.

Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and sweeteners containing xylitol.

Please visit our Avoid Feeding Your Pet These Human Foods page for more information.

Please leave your pets at home when attending Fourth of July festivities, and never use fireworks around them.

Exposure to lit fireworks may cause severe burns or trauma, and even unlit fireworks may contain hazardous substances.

Many pets are also afraid of loud noises and can become lost, frightened, or disoriented as a result, so it’s best to keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof area of your home.

Download and distribute our infographic on hot weather safety to inform others of the dangers your pets may face during the summer.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What can I give my dog to stop the heat?

Given that it is hot outside, one of the best things you can do for your dog is to give them water and snacks to cool down.

These items can help to reduce their body temperature as well:

Apples: Apples are a great source of potassium, which helps to maintain normal blood pressure levels and keeps the heart functioning properly. They are also high in fiber and contain natural sugars that help to keep dogs healthy.

Watermelon: A lot of watermelon contains lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, watermelon is high in antioxidants like vitamin C and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.

Popsicles: Popsicles are a great way to cool down your dog on hot days because they are cold and easy to swallow. Additionally, they are also high in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system.

Kong toys: Kongs are loved by dogs for their wacky shapes and bouncy textures, which makes them fun and entertaining. They are also high in protein, which helps to keep dogs healthy and strong.

 

Can dogs burn their paws on a hot ground?

Yes, dogs can burn their paws on a hot ground. In fact, this is one common way that dogs suffer from paw injuries.

To prevent this from happening, make sure to have plenty of water available for your dog during extreme weather conditions like this one.

Additionally, keep your pet’s paws cool and dry when it is scorching outside. If paws get burnt, immediately apply cool water and a gentle Shower to the area and wrap with a soft cloth to help soothe the skin.

 

How do I know if my pet is overheating?

If you’re noticing that your pet’s body is overheating, the best thing to do is take them to a veterinarian.

A vet can properly diagnose the issue and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Additionally, make sure to keep your pet away from direct sunlight and cool water while they’re overheating. Doing so will help to cool them down quickly.

If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms in your pet, it’s important to bring them to a veterinarian right away. These signs indicate that they’re overheating and may be in danger of heat stroke.

 

Are there any other precautions that I need to take when it’s hot outside with my pets?

Yes, there are a few more precautions that you should take when it’s hot outside with your pets. Here they are:

1. Check on your pet frequently during the day and make sure there is shade available for them when they’re outdoors.

Pets tend to be more prone to heat stroke when it’s hot outside, so it’s important to make sure they have plenty of water and shade.

2. Make sure to keep your pets inside if it’s hot outside, even if you’re stuck in traffic. Traffic can be really dangerous for animals, so keeping them inside is always the safest option.

3. Bring along enough water and food for your pet, as well as some treats or toys that they can play with inside. This will help keep them entertained and happy while you’re stuck in hot weather.

 

What should I do if my pet seizures during the hot weather?

If your pet is seizure prone, it’s important to be mindful of the heat during the hot weather.

During the hot weather, make sure they have access to plenty of water and shade.

Also, try to keep them inside when the weather gets too hot outside – if you must take them out, be mindful of their surroundings at all times.

 

What are some of the most common dangers that pets face when it’s hot outside?

Keeping a close eye on your pet while they’re out in the heat is essential.

Signs that your pet may be dehydrated are if they have droopy eyes, lack of appetite, refusal to drink or move around, muddled thinking or staggering gait.

Make sure to keep them hydrated by providing them with plenty of fresh water and shade wherever they go.

And lastly, make sure to be mindful of the temperatures outside and bring along water for the both of you during hot weather episodes.

 

What are some tips to keep my pets safe in the heat?

Keeping your pets safe during the heat is easy if you follow a few simple tips.

1. Keep them away from high temperatures, open flames and hot surfaces. Pets can get heatstroke quickly if they’re exposed to these things.

2. Make sure that your pets have access to plenty of water and shade. This will help keep them cool and hydrated, and also help keep them from sunburns.

3. If you’re traveling with your pet, make sure they’re vaccinated and up to date on their shots. This will help prevent them from getting sick or encountering any other dangers while you’re away.

 

Conclusion

In the heat, it’s important to keep your pet safe. By following some basic safety tips and keeping them cool and hydrated, you can help them stay healthy and comfortable.

Make sure to also practice basic summer safety measures such as keeping an eye on your pet while they are outside and practicing car safety with your furry friend.

If you have any questions or comments about keeping your pet safe in the heat, please leave them below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Have a safe and fun summer!

 

 

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