Seattle isn’t known for extreme summer heat, but warm conditions can still be dangerous for your pet. Our Madison Street Animal Hospital team’s first priority is your pet’s health, happiness, and comfort, and we provide suggestions to keep your pet safe when temperatures start to increase.
Never leave your pet in an unventilated enclosed space
Because pets can’t cool themselves as efficiently as humans can. Heatstroke is a significant concern. Panting is pets’ main cooling mechanism, and this may not be enough to lower their body temperature in a hot environment.
In a parked vehicle or a building that has no air conditioning, the temperature can reach a dangerous level on a warm day. Even on a relatively cool day, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by an average of 40 degrees in an hour, creating conditions that are incredibly dangerous for your pet. Leaving your pet unattended in the car is never a good idea, and parking in the shade or leaving the windows slightly open aren’t enough to prevent a significant temperature escalation. If your pet isn’t welcome in every establishment to which you plan to do errands, leave them safely at home, with the air conditioning running.
Schedule a summertime veterinary checkup
If our Madison Street Animal Hospital team hasn’t seen your pet for a while, summer is a great time to schedule their wellness exam. Pets often hide illness, and yearly veterinary evaluations are necessary for us to detect your furry pal’s medical issues in the early stages, when ailments are easier to treat. Certain conditions, such as diseases that affect the heart and respiratory systems, put your pet at a higher risk for heatstroke, and managing the problem is important to help prevent a life-threatening situation.
Keep your pet hydrated
As your pet pants, they lose moisture, and therefore need more water to stay hydrated when the temperature soars. Dehydration greatly increases your pet’s heatstroke risk, and you must ensure their fluid intake is adequate to remain hydrated. To encourage your pet to drink more water, follow these tips:
- Offer options — Place numerous water bowls in various sizes and shapes throughout your home.
- Refresh daily — Clean and refresh your pet’s bowls daily to ensure the water is palatable.
- Prepare for outings — To ensure you can always offer your pet fresh, clean water, bring water and a portable bowl when you go on outings.
- Provide a fountain — Some pets are enthralled by running water, and a water fountain may encourage your furry pal to drink more.
- Make icy treats — Make tasty ice cube treats that include your pet’s favorites such as vegetables, fruits, and canned foods.
Exercise your pet safely
Avoid strenuous exercise when the weather is hot. Rather than exercising your pet during the warmest time of the day, take them out during the early morning and evening hours. In addition, take frequent breaks when enjoying time outdoors with your pet. Your furry pal often doesn’t realize they are overheating, so when outdoors, frequently take them to a shady, well-ventilated area and give them time to rest and cool down.
Let your pet enjoy fun water activities
Put a few inches of water in a kiddie pool in your backyard, and let your pet enjoy a cool dip. This is a great way to help your four-legged friend cool off on a warm summer day, whether they want to splash around or simply relax. Another fun option is to set up a sprinkler for your pet. They will have a great time running through the spray, and the cool mist will help prevent them from overheating.
Consider cooling products for your pet
Several products are available to help pets cool down on a warm day. To help keep your pet comfortable during the summer, try these cooling products:
- Cooling mat — If your pet likes lounging on the linoleum floor, they may appreciate a cooling mat. Orthopedic foam options are available for pets who need a little more support for achy joints.
- Cooling vest — A cooling vest reflects the sun and mimics sweat’s cooling effect, keeping your pet cool as a cucumber.
- Elevated pet bed — A breathable, elevated pet bed allows air to circulate, which helps keep your furry pal cool.
- Pet crate fan — If your pet enjoys spending time in their crate, a crate fan is great to provide direct cooling.
Groom your pet regularly to help keep them cool
Regular grooming helps keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy, which is especially important in the summer. Brushing removes dead hair and facilitates air circulation on your four-legged friend’s skin. Matted fur can trap summer humidity’s moisture, causing your four legged friend irritation, which can potentially lead to a skin infection.
If your pet has long or thick hair, consider getting them a summer trim to help keep them cool. However, never have your four-legged friend completely shaved. To help protect your pet from sunburn, skin cancer, and bug bites, keep their fur around an inch in length.
Protect your pet from sunburn
When the ultraviolet (UV) index is high, your pet has a sunburn risk, and the damaging rays can also cause skin cancer. Pets who are light in color, thin-coated, or hairless are at increased risk. Apply a pet-friendly sunscreen before outings and reapply the product every four to six hours and after swimming.
To ensure your four-legged friend is ready for warm weather adventures, contact our Madison Street Animal Hospital team to schedule your pet’s summer wellness examination.
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