How To Protect Your Pets From The Heat This Summer

July and August in the Midwest are notoriously the hottest months of the year. Of course, we all love having fun in the sun with our pets, but it’s important to remember that hot summer conditions can be dangerous for our furry companions.  Here are some tips on how to stay safe in the heat with your dog and cat.

Exercise your pets during the cooler times of the day. When it’s extra hot outside, take a walk first thing in the morning or as the sun is going down in the evening.

Limit outside time during extreme heat to only a few minutes to go to the bathroom, and be cautious about letting your dog walk on hot sidewalks.

Be sure to offer them plenty of water, and allow them access to shady areas when out and about.

Remember that open doors and windows can lead to escaped pets or injury from falls. Try to secure all windows and doors to keep pets safe.

Never leave your pet in a car in the heat, not even with the windows rolled down, not for just one minute. It takes very little time for a dog or cat to begin to overheat and get into a dangerous situation.

It’s important to know the signs of overheating in pets.  They experience excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, collapse, bloody diarrhea and vomit, high fever, and seizures. If you feel that your pet may be overheating, get them to a cool, shaded area, offer them water, and call us at Colonial Terrace immediately.

Contact us anytime with questions about how to help your dog and cat beat the heat. We wish you all a safe and fun summer!