What Can You Do to Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer?

Keeping Pets Cool in the Dog Days of Summer

                This summer has been a hot one in York! And with a month or more of warm weather to go, here are some tips for keeping your pets cool in the heat.

1.  Keep pets indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day and provide plenty of cool water.  This is especially important for short-nosed breeds such as pugs and bulldogs or Persian cats.  Exercise your pet early in the morning or late in the evening when things are cooler.  Cats are less susceptible to hot conditions, but can still overheat so keep outdoor cats in or make sure they have access to an area like a garage or shaded spot during the day.
2. Consider a baby pool or sprinkler.  Many dogs like to splash in the water or even swim.  Spraying your dog with a sprinkler or allowing him or her a dip in the pool can provide welcome respite from the warm weather.  But, garden hoses lying in the sun can have scalding water inside when first turned on.  Make sure to empty the hose and test the water temperature before spraying your pup.  Also, make sure your dogs are supervised when in the pool and have a safe way to get in and out.  Baby pools should be emptied after use to prevent standing water which can breed mosquitos that carry all sorts of nasty diseases including heartworm disease.
3. Limit time walking on very hot pavement.  While serious burns are uncommon, (there are some false internet stories showing badly burned paw pads stating they came from walking on a hot sidewalk, when, in fact, the picture is of a dog whose pads were burned by excessive exposure to a hot tar roof) dogs standing or walking for long period of time on very hot pavement or concrete, can burn their pads.  As above, don’t walk your dog during the hottest part of the day, walk in grassy areas if possible, or, if your dog is extremely sensitive or has an injured pad, consider a sock or boot to cover the affected area.  If your dog is limping, licking his paw pads or has red or blistered/peeling pads, have him seen by your veterinarian for proper care.  Walking your dog on hard surfaces throughout the year can toughen the pads making injuries less likely.
4. Keep dogs and cats brushed and groomed to remove excess undercoat and mats or tangles, but do not clip your dog’s or cat’s fur down to the skin as it does provide some insulation and protection from the sun. 
5. And, of course we always hate to mention this as everyone should know better by now, but never, EVER, leave a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes.  Temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels inside a car, even with the windows cracked.  Leaving the car running or windows open all the way could be dangerous for your pet.  Play it safe and leave your pet at home.

If your pet does become overheated, wet your pet down and place in an area with a fan or cool breeze.Seek veterinary attention, especially if signs of heat stroke are present such as extreme panting and drooling, lethargy/difficulty rousing your pet, staggering or stumbling, collapse, and red and dry gums and tongue.

Patton Veterinary Hospital hopes you have a cool summer with your pets!

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

Source:  www.petmd.com