Keep Your Pets Safe!
Summertime is always a great time in Christiana. Families are enjoying BBQs, camping, or perhaps traveling to the beach for the weekend. And if you are out of things to do with the kids, you can check out these Fun Things To Do In Christiana, PA With Kids. However, pets can quickly become overheated faster than you may think with the hot and humid weather. For this reason, we are giving you hot weather safety tips for your furry friends so they are kept safe and can enjoy the whole summer too!
Dangers of Hot Weather and Overheating
Your pet can become overheated at home, during a hike, or even on a short car trip. These are things to watch out for that can signal an overheating problem for your pet.
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Erratic pulse
- White or pale gums that seem dry.
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion, low energy, or sudden lack of coordination
- Rectal temperature of more than 103°F
If you see any of these symptoms, act fast! Quickly find access to cool water and wet your pet down. Provide them with plenty of fresh, clean, cool water to drink, and call your vet to see if you should bring them in. You can always contact us for guidance on what you should do.
Overheating Prevention Tips
The easiest way to handle overheating is to stop it from happening in the first place. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
- Never leave your pet in the car, even if you think it’s going to be just for a little while; this can be fatal! A car can get up to 120 degrees in just 30 minutes when it’s only 85 degrees outside!
- Keep your pet hydrated by always having plenty of clean, fresh water to drink. If you take your pet on a hike or road trip, ensure to have enough water and a water bowl for your pet. And watch the humidity.
Dogs pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs. Panting takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they cannot cool themselves.
Cats usually do not pant. When a cat is panting, it can signify that they are very stressed or extremely hot.
In either case, if not handled immediately, their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels very quickly.
- If your pet is outside, ensure they have protection from heat and sun with plenty of shade and cold water. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct airflow. Note: A doghouse does not provide relief from the heat; it makes it worse.
- Keep off the hot pavement as much as possible. Hot pavement can cause overheating, not to mention burned paws!
Summary
Remember that pets can be more sensitive to hot weather and humidity than we are. They cannot tell you when they are getting too hot and overheating. So, take preventative measures to keep them safe from hot and humid weather and know the signs of overheating so you can act quickly. Contact us if you have any questions or need to schedule a visit.
Sincerely,
Ashley Tuma, D.V.M.
Pine Creek Animal Hospital
