Heat is Extreme: Tips for Caring for Your Pets

And most areas  are seeing record highs. Pets — especially dogs and cats — can overheat easily, largely because they don’t perspire like people.

To keep your pets cool during heat waves, follow these tips:

• Follow your local weather forecasts so you will know when hot weather is expected in your area, and plan accordingly.
• Make sure your pets have access to plenty of cool, fresh water.  Don’t allow water to sit outside in the sun, as it can get hot quickly… and drinking hot water is bad for animals.  You can also give your pets  ice.
• Keep your pets indoors as much as possible.  Walk your dog(s) early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower.  Be aware of not surfaces, which can burn animals’ paws.
• Prevent your pets from over-exercising or overexerting themselves.
• Provide your pets with access to cool parts of your home, such as the basement or air-conditioned rooms (if you don’t have central air).
• Some dogs enjoy splashing around in kiddie swimming pools, which can be purchased at toy stores and even at some pet stores.
• Buy a  hammock-style or  for your pets that can keep them cool when sleeping.
• Even if your pet is outside for brief periods, provide a shaded area if one doesn’t exist, and make sure it stays consistently shady throughout the day.
• Never, ever leave a pet alone in a closed vehicle! On a summer day, a vehicle with the AC off and the windows up can reach deadly temperatures in as little as 15 minutes.
• If you are away from home for more than a few hours, ask a friend or hire a pet-sitter to check up on your pets once or twice during the day (obviously, this is essential if you plan to be away for overnight or longer).
• It’s always good to check in on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors in the hot weather, but be especially mindful of seniors who have pets.  If an elderly pet owner needs help, make sure that their pets are kept cool and watered.
• Dogs and cats with long, thick fur should be groomed to remove excess fur that can make them hot.
• Be alert to any changes in your pet’s behavior, which could indicate heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting and lethargy.  If your dog or cat has been exposed to the heat and appears to be behaving strangely, contact your veterinarian immediately.  In the meantime, you can bathe your pet in cool water to help lower its body temperature.  Give overheated animals small amounts of water, as drinking too much at once can make them sick.
• If your pet has a chronic health condition, is pregnant or is on medication, consult your vet on how to care for it during hot weather.
• If you see an animal that appears to be in suffering from neglect  in the heat, contact your local animal control or police.

Caddo Parish  County Animal Services or Humane Society:    318-226-6624 ... www.petsaversshreveport.org/