How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable During the Summer Heat

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Can you feel the heat? Summer has arrived and we have another four months of intense heat and humidity here in south Florida. How does that affect your pets?

Pretty much the same as it affects you! Just as you try to escape the heat, your pets will want and try do the same.

Dogs can suffer overheating very easily. Some breeds are more in danger than others. In general short muzzled breeds with pushed in noses like a pug have more of a problem with heat than others.

Also, really heavy-coated dogs like a Husky or Chow Chow will not like the heat. So what can you do to keep your pets comfortable?

First of all, keep plenty of fresh, cool water around. Long walks or extended outdoor activities should be done either early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the sun. A kiddy pool on the porch or in the yard can be fun for some dogs to cool off. Buy a cheap plastic one at “Wal Mart” or “Toys-R-Us” so that your dog can lay in the water and enjoy it while you can always cool your feet!

 

NEVER leave your dogs in an unattended car, not for five minutes with the windows down a little bit, and not even with the A/C running. I have seen many cases where the unattended car has stalled, and when that happens it can get unbearably hot really quickly, causing your best friend to suffer needlessly.

Never tie your dogs up outside! Not only is this dangerous to your dog's health in the case that it is too hot and your dog cannot seek shelter, but also your dog might break loose. In any case, please remember that tying/tethering your dog to an outside leash or chain is illegal! We do have a law against this kind of treatment to animals, it is called the Anti-Tethering law. To find out more information on the anti-tethering law, call 561-233-1250 to contact Palm Beach Animal Care and Control or click here to view the publication Anti-Tethering Law. If you see a tethered animal please call Palm Beach Animal Care and Control at 561-233-1200 extn. 0.

In you go to the beach with your dog, please remember to check the temperature of the sand before forcing your dog onto it. Take off a shoe and test the sand, if it is too hot for you, then it is always too hot for your dog’s sensitive paws.

On dogs with heavy coats, it is always helpful to shave the hair on their bellies during the summer time. Dogs do cool off through their bellies and paws.


You can also always talk to your local groomer about possible “summer cuts” best suited for your dog’s breed.

 

 

So how do you know if your dog is overheated? Your dog will give you warning signals: disorientation, excessive heavy, panting and drooling are all possible signs that your dog is over heating. If you suspect that your dog is overheating, immediately bring the animal into a cool, air-conditioned environment and let it cool down for 10 minutes before offering any water. Also, you may want to wrap cold, wet towels around the paws and belly. In really severe cases with a body temperature in excess of 104 degree Fahrenheit you might want to take your dog immediately to a veterinarian.
 

Please keep your pets comfortable during the summer months and call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
 

 

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