Although summertime in British Columbia can bring beautiful weather, the higher temperatures can put pets at risk for heat-related illnesses and other seasonal hazards. As temperatures rise, our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team wants to remind you to stay vigilant about your furry pal’s safety. To ensure your pet enjoys a cool, comfortable summer, follow our heat safety tips.
Keep your pet hydrated
Pets cool down in various ways, including evaporation through panting, which can lead to excessive water loss. Staying hydrated and drinking cool water helps reduce your pet’s overheating risk. Offer multiple water stations, replace the water frequently, and take water and a travel bowl on walks.
Walk your pet during cooler times
Pets often need bathroom breaks midday, but this is the worst time for a long walk or play session. Plan these activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Remember that asphalt can become scorching hot and can burn your pet’s paws on contact, and this heat may take a while to dissipate after the sun sets. Check the surface with your hand to determine if it’s safe for your pet to walk on.
Create cool resting stations for your pet
Ensure your pet can access shaded, elevated resting spots outdoors, such as a mesh cot, or create a baby pool splash station to provide instant cooling. Use fans or air-conditioning to maintain your furry pal’s comfort indoors. You can also try cooling mats or vests that pull heat from your pet’s skin.
Always supervise your pet in the heat
Never leave your pet alone in the car or backyard. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly rise to dangerous levels, and pets left to play alone can overdo it in only a few minutes. If you cannot directly supervise them, leave your pet indoors in a climate-controlled environment.
Learn to recognize pet heatstroke signs
Heatstroke is a deadly condition that occurs when a pet’s temperature rises several degrees above normal. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, rapid heart rate, or collapse. Immediately move your pet to a cool area, pour cool water over them, and call our clinic or a nearby emergency hospital if you notice potential heatstroke signs. Keep the contact information readily available on your cell phone or written near other emergency numbers in your home.
Apply sunscreen to your pet
Pets with short, thin fur or otherwise exposed skin can get sunburned. Avoiding prolonged sun exposure by ensuring access to shade is best, but you should also apply pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin areas as a second-line defense. Avoid human sunscreen products, which contain ingredients that may be toxic to pets.
Schedule a summer grooming session for your pet
Summer grooming can help restore your pet’s natural temperature-regulation abilities. Removing loose fur and trimming it short can help, but avoid shaving your pet down to the skin. Consult your groomer to determine the best cut for your pet’s coat type.
Beware of summertime pet pests
Summer often increases parasite activity, putting your pet at risk of developing an itchy infestation or contracting a vector-borne disease. Our team can recommend flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives that fit your pet’s needs.
“Summerize” your pet’s treats
Frozen treats are a great way to help pets cool down and keep them busy. For a refreshing snack, try freezing low-sodium broth, yogurt, or fruit-embedded ice cubes. Avoid toxic human foods such as grapes, raisins, chocolate, or anything sweetened with xylitol.
Plan outdoor pet activities carefully
You can still take advantage of our area’s beautiful hiking trails and outdoor spaces during summer. When planning an adventure, choose pet-friendly, shaded trails, and don’t forget to bring water. Keep your pet on a leash to prevent them from wandering off trails and increasing their risk of contracting parasites or encountering dangerous wildlife.
Enjoy the summer sun with peace of mind this year by following our Oriole Road Animal Hospital heat safety tips. Contact us to schedule a summer checkup and parasite consultation or to discuss additional ways you can safeguard your pet’s health this season.
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