1. Provide plenty of water and shade
Summertime can cause dehydration in dogs and cats. Our dogs drink a lot more than we would when it gets hot. Dry gums and heavy drooling are signs of dehydration. Make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean water inside the house, and pack a bottle for your pet when you’re outside, just as you do for yourself. You might consider switching to a wet dog diet during the warm months to increase fluid consumption. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible. While dogs and cats like to sunbathe, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and lead to heatstroke.
2. Know the signs
A dog’s average temperature ranges from 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas a cat’s average body temperature is between 100.4 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that indicates that your pet is in danger. Dogs and cats do not sweat as much as humans. Instead, they drink water and pant to cool down.
Keep an eye out for these overheating symptoms:
• Dry or bright red gums
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Wobbly legs
• Excessive Panting
If your pet shows indications of heat exhaustion, take them to a cool spot, give them a glass of water, cover them with a damp cloth, and take them to the vet as soon as possible. Do not submerge your pet in cold water, which may cause them to become shocked.
3. Never leave your pet unattended in the car.
Most pets enjoy riding in automobiles. However, they wouldn’t like being locked in it when it gets hotter than 100 degrees in the parking lot. You may believe that leaving your pet in a car for a few minutes is insignificant. However, heatstroke can develop in dogs and cats in less than 10 minutes if they are inside a hot car.
Leaving your pet in a car is unsafe for your pet, but it is also unlawful in 16 states where “hot car” laws apply. Consequently, either bring your pet or leave it at home. Take action right away if you find a pet left alone in a car, call the Police.
