The recent bout of extreme heat can play havoc on pets. Especially those maintained outdoors. City of Wichita Animal Services recommends that all pet owners pay special attention to their pets during warmer weather. Some helpful tips to keep in mind are:
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Make sure that outdoor pets have access to shade.
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Allow for an unrestricted supply of clean fresh drinking water.
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Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Exercise your pet only in the early morning or late evening, when temperature and humidity are usually lower.
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Pavement and sand become very hot in extreme sun. These hot surfaces can cause significant damage to pets' paws. Minimize exposure to these surfaces and ensure that animals have cooler surfaces, such as dirt and grass, available to them.
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Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather, and animals with “snub noses” such as Chow Chows, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus etc. They cannot breath as well in the heat and should be in air-conditioned environments as much as possible.
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Consider having your pet groomed. Long Haired pets are especially sensitive to the heat.
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Never leave your pet in a car, even for a little while. The temperature in a vehicle can rise dramatically in less than a minute.
Signs your pet is overheating:
Take these actions if a pet is overheating:
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Move the dog out of the sun and into the shade or into an air-conditioned building.
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Give the dog water and/or ice chips.
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Rinse the dog off either in the bathtub or with a garden hose.
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Place the dog in front of a fan while it is still damp.
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Place ice bags around the dog's head and neck.
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Take the dog to the veterinarian after the dog has been cooled down.
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If an animal collapses or has difficulty breathing, it may be experiencing Heat Stroke. Contact a veterinarian immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency!
Being aware of the problems of excessive heat and how it affects pets can help you and your pet have a healthy happy summer!
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