Pet's Safety in the Heat
Pet's Safety in the Heat: A guide on keeping your pet cool in the heat.
Summer can be unpleasant, if not lethal, in humans and animals.
Even as temperatures climb, dealing with heavy humidity can be a challenge. Extreme heat and storm-related power outages, which can have disastrous consequences, make it even more difficult.
In the next months, we'll be here to help you keep your dogs happy and content this season. Keep your family healthy this summer by following our tips.
Precautions for Summer Safety
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PETS IN A GARAGE.
Not even for a split second, please! Even with the engine running and the air conditioner on, this is not a safe situation to drive in. On a hot day, temperatures in a car can quickly rise to lethal levels.
For example, a vehicle with its windows open on an 85-degree day can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes.
After 30 minutes, the temperature had risen to 120 degrees. Your pet's organs could be permanently damaged or even die due to this treatment.
You should keep a close eye on the relative humidity level.
Dr Barry Kellogg, VMD of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, states, “It's vital to note that ambient temperature and humidity might impact your pet.
The lungs of animals are filled with water, which causes them to evacuate it through a process known as panting. Their body temperature swiftly rises to lethal levels when the humidity is too high.
Avoid strenuous physical activity on hot days.
You should exercise caution when taking your pet on a walk. Make adjustments to your workout intensity and length depending on the weather.
On hot days, only strenuous activity is in the early morning or late evening. Keep an eye out for short-nosed pets and pets with white ears, which are more susceptible to skin cancer.
If you can, take your dog for a stroll on grass rather than asphalt, which might be dangerous for your pet's paws. Drinking plenty of water is essential to your dog's health and well-being.
Pets are affected by heat in a different way than humans. Perspiration escapes from dogs' bodies primarily through their paws. On the other hand, Fans do not have the same effect on pets as humans.
Take care to ensure that there is enough food and drink available.
If your pet spends time outdoors, ensure they have access to plenty of fresh, cool water and are shielded from the sun. During heat waves, it's a good idea to chill the water with ice.
Shade trees and tarps are excellent because they don't block airflow. A doghouse won't help the heat; it will get worse.
Keep your pet cool both inside and out.
Doggie sundaes can be created quickly at home. Always provide fresh water to your pets, whether inside or outside.
Keep your pet cool inside and outside with a cooling wrap, vest, or mat. These things can be kept cool by soaking them for up to three days in icy water (typically dry).
Even if your dog doesn't mind getting a cold wash, see if he prefers it.
Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as feeling dizzy or going into a coma.
Heat stroke can result from exposure to high temperatures. You're at risk of heat illness if you show any signs of heat stroke.
Severe heat stroke can be deadly for animals, especially those vulnerable due to health issues such as being old or young, overweight, or not being used to regular movement.
Breeds with short muzzles, such as Boxers and Shih Tzus, as well as other dogs and cats with narrow faces, may struggle more than others in the heat.
How to treat a pet with heat exhaustion is explained here.
Go outside or into an air-conditioned area with your pet to keep them cool Ice packs or cold towels for the pet's neck and chest or cool (not frigid) water for the animal's body are also effective methods of treating heat exhaustion.
Make sure you have it. Ice cubes can be licked or sucked on for cooling relief. As soon as possible, get them to a veterinarian.
The article initially published on https://unitypets.com
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