Tips For Keeping Your Pets Cool as Temperatures Rise
By: KOLR 10 Newsroom
Updated: June 25, 2012
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Make sure your pets have to get out of the sun and bring them indoors when it's extremely hot. Leave out plenty of fresh water for your pet and don't over exercise them.
Never leave your pet alone in the car, even with the windows rolled down. In just a matter of minutes, temperatures inside a parked car can reach dangerous levels.
Be sure to know the warning signs of an overheated pet.
"Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse," Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, said on the ASPCA's website. "They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees."
Find them proper shade. If you don't
have many trees or a dog house, you can use one of those
portable canopies.
Another pretty affordable idea is to give your pets a kiddy pool. The little,
hard plastic ones are less than $10.
Grooming is another option. Shaving off all that hot hair will keep them cool, but make sure the groomer leaves at least a quarter-inch to make sure their skin doesn't get sunburned.
"They may appreciate an open garage or carport," says Dr. Jaime Rudd with Galloway Village Veterinary. "Anywhere they can get a cool breeze or cool concrete to lay on if that's available."
You can also let them enjoy an occasional summer treat like popsicles!
Livestock also need plenty of water and shade and any activity should be limited to the cooler times of the day.
