Temperatures in Central Texas have already reached 90F and above. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pets are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans when it's hot outside. Pets can't sweat like humans do; they perspire through their paw pads and rid themselves of excess heat primarily by panting. It's important, therefore, to protect our pets during hot months.
Some tips to help our canine friends stay safe and healthy during hot days are:
- If possible, bring pets inside, and avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity
- For pets that must stay outside during the day, ensure they have a shaded and well-ventilated area to stay in throughout the day, as the sun changes position. (Most dog houses trap heat, and aren't a suitable option for shelter on hot days).
- Ensure your pet has access to fresh water; keep water bowls in a shaded area
- Walk or exercise your dog during the cooler times of day, early morning or very late in the day.
- When walking your dog, remember that pavement and sidewalks can become very hot during the Texas summer, and in extreme cases can burn a dog's paws. Avoid or limit exposure to these extremely hot surfaces.
- Yes, dogs can become sunburned - depending on the coat of your pet and amount of exposed skin. Apply sunscreen to sensitive areas and/or limit exposure, just as a human would.
- Make sure your dog is clean and properly groomed. Dogs with longer hair and thicker coats are able to remain cooler and healthier with the proper grooming and cut during warm months.
- Provide a small wading pool, with fresh water, for your dog to cool off. Small pools can be found at Wal-mart, Target, HEB-Plus!, Sears, Toys-R-Us, Petsmart, and other stores.
- During warm months, never leave a pet in a car or confined in a hot space. Even with windows cracked open, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
- In summer, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more prevalent. Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate preventative and/or treatment to keep your dog free of these parasites
- Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat. Watch your dog carefully when exposed to heat if your dog is in this group (e.g., Pug, Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bullmastiff, Pekingese, and others).
If your dog is exposed to high temperatures, be alert for signs of heat stress and/or heat stroke:
- Excessive/hard panting
- Glassy eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Deep red or purple gums
- Unsteadiness, disorientation, staggering, stumbling
- Lack of responsiveness
- Vomiting
- Collapse
The AVMA recommends that, if you suspect your pet is suffering heat stroke, put a cool, wet towel around the animal's neck, get them into an air-conditioned car, and take them to a veterinarian for immediate evaluation and treatment.
See a short AVMA video on summer pet safety created in 2010 in response to a series of heat waves that affected the US.
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