Summer is in full swing, which means more time spent outdoors with your loved ones, including your pets! It is crucial to understand the dangers that come with higher temperatures and sun exposure. Pets do not sweat the same as humans and can easily become overheated. Here are a few hot weather safety tips for your pet to avoid health issues and enjoy the summer season with your furry best friend!
Never Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car
You may think leaving your pet in a car for a few minutes is no big deal. However, it can take less than 10 minutes to develop heat stroke in dogs and cats inside a hot vehicle.
Leaving your pets in cars is not only dangerous to your animals, but it is also illegal in some states that have specific “hot car” laws. Take action immediately if you see a pet left alone in a car under dangerous conditions!
Know the Signs of Overheating
A dog’s normal temperature is between 100° and 103°F, while a normal temperature in cats ranges from 100.4º to 102.5ºF. Anything higher than that means your pets are in danger. Dogs and cats don’t sweat as we do. They drink water and pant to bring down their body temperature.
It is important to recognize the signs of your pet overheating:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heavy panting
- Rapid pulse
- Muscle tremors
- Fever
- Excessive drooling
If your pet shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, give them water to drink, put a damp towel over their body, and get them to the vet ASAP!
Don’t Shave Your Pet
You might think shaving your dog or cat for the summer is the best solution to overheating, but a pet’s coat is naturally designed to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter. Feel free to trim the fur on your pet in the summer, but never shave it all off. Be sure to leave at least a full inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from sunburn, and don’t forget about your pet’s regular grooming schedule, no matter what season it is.
There are many ways to keep your pet cool in the summer heat, and their health and safety should always be top priorities!
Blue Star Labradoodles is the place to search if you want to adopt a new furry friend into your family. Our Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles love spending time outdoors and make perfect adventure buddies in any season.
Browse our upcoming litter’s page or give us a call at (509)979-0949 to learn about our available puppies!
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