On hot days, before leaving the house, make sure you put lots of water on your dog’s chest, tummy, inner thighs and paws. It will cool your dog off quite a bit, save him/her from overheating and will allow both of you to have a much more enjoyable walk.
When the temperature rises up to 95+ degrees, it’s better to postpone those long walks with your dog. Heatstroke can be fatal and dogs usually don’t show any signs of distress until it’s in critical condition. If however you have to take your dog out for any reason in the scorching heat, follow this tip.
Always have a bottle of water with you and a collapsible water bowl, let your dog drink every 15 to 20 minutes. Drink yourself as well to avoid overheating.
Avoid walking your dog on asphalt. It’s temperature on a 90 degree day can go as high as 150 F leading to multiple burns on any dog’s paws. Rule of thumb: if it’s too hot for you to walk on asphalt barefoot, it’s hot for your dog too.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS and LIFE THREATINING is TO LEAVE YOU DOG OR CAT IN A PARKED CAR. Never leave your dog in the car on any hot day, ESPECIALLY with CLOSED windows although it doesn’t matter much if the windows are opened. The temperature in the car quickly rises and can reach higher than 150 degrees in a matter of minutes. Remember when it’s hot outside, it’s even hotter inside the car. When the car is parked in a shady area, your pet still can have a heatstroke.
Do this test: get in the car yourself, make sure all windows are closed and stay there for a few minutes. You will quickly realize how hot it gets in a short period of time. Will you stay in the hot car like this yourself? Now open the windows just a little and see how it feels. The temperature is still high and staying longer than a few minutes one will get heatstroke.
When leaving your pet in the house, make sure your AC is TURNED ON and set it to a maximum of 78-80 F. You will come home to a relaxed and happy pet, who was enjoying a comfortable environment while you were away.
Always keep the water bowl filled inside and outside of the house.
When leaving your pet outside in the backyard, make sure there are some shady areas and plenty of water. Cooling fans or misters are great in preventing a heatstroke.
Finally, when hiring a pet sitter, let her/him know about your requirements for your pets in hot weather.
Use common sense and keep your pets safe and comfortable at all times.
1. Signs of Heatstroke to Watch For:
“Even with these precautions, keep a close eye on your pet. If you notice heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive thirst, get them into the shade and cool them down with lukewarm water immediately. If they seem dizzy or vomit, it is a medical emergency—contact your vet in Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks right away.”
2. A Quick Summer Safety Checklist:
Cooling Mats: These are great for indoor use during the 95°F+ peaks.
Wet Towels: Placing a damp, cool towel on the floor gives them a heat-sink to lay on.
Ice Cubes: Dropping a few ice cubes in their water bowl can make hydration more “fun” and refreshing.
