While many of us revel in the fact that summer is upon us and we can start to enjoy some deliciously warm weather, the same cannot be said for many pets. Covered in fur and unable to sweat in the same way that we do, animals can feel the effects of the heat much more quickly than humans do, and if they are unable to cool down properly, they can become very unwell. Some of the most common effects of a pet suffering from the heat include dehydration and heat stroke, both of which can be deadly if urgent treatment is not sought.
Signs That Your Pet is Too Hot
It is not always easy to recognize that an animal is struggling to regulate their body temperature. Nevertheless, there are some indicators that you can watch out for, and your furbaby is relying on you to pick up on these so that you can help him cool down, and if appropriate, get him the medical help he needs. Signs that your pet is too hot include:
- Heavy panting
- Rapid breathing
- Elevated body temperature
- Excessive thirst
- Eyes that appear glazed over
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lethargy/weakness
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Seizures/unconsciousness
Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to help keep him stay cool during the summer and prevent him from overheating.
Provide Plenty of Water
Since your furbaby will use more fluid than normal when the weather is hot, you need to ensure that he is drinking plenty of fresh fluid to replace it. This is because water is essential for his organs to function properly. Not getting enough fluid can quickly cause him to become dehydrated. Make sure his water bowls are topped up and available at all times. You can even pop ice cubes in to the bowls to help cool the water down further.
Cool Spots
Some parts of your home are almost certainly cooler than others, and it will help your pet if you make these areas accessible for him, so he has somewhere to go and cool down. Rooms with tiled floors and shade are preferable, ideally with cool air circulating through. If you are worried your pet is getting too hot, encourage him to move to this location.
Ensure Airflow
The humidity can become stifling if there is not enough of a breeze. Fortunately, you can create your own using a fan or air conditioning unit. Keep windows open to help encourage any natural breeze too.
Another helpful thing to do is to elevate his bed off of the floor. This will allow air to circulate underneath it, helping it to stay cool.
Keep her indoors when you need to
The middle part of the day is always the hottest, so bring your pet inside when the temperatures are at their highest. When he does go outside, ensure that there is plenty of accessible shade.
Icy Treats
Most store-bought ice pops are full of sugar and so no good for your pet, but there is nothing to stop you freezing up your own ice lolly moulds with plain water or flavoured with a little natural fruit juice. You can sit and hold these for your pet while he licks and enjoys them.
Paddle-time
While cats have a serious aversion to water, if you have a canine companion, he may be more than happy to take a dip in a shallow pool of water. If you don’t have one in your yard, consider taking him to a nearby stream or other fresh water source and letting him have a paddle. Just be sure to supervise him closely so that he doesn’t go in too deep.
Never Leave Him in the Car
Most pet owners understand that leaving their furbaby in a car can prove fatal, even when the weather isn’t particularly hot. The temperatures inside vehicles rise rapidly, and a car can heat up to almost 100 degrees in just ten minutes, even if it is only 80 degrees outside. Don’t risk leaving your pet in the car for a moment.
For more information, contact us and schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable veterinary team.
