Beware of Animals During Summer Heatwave: Expert Advice Intended
Keeping Pets Safe from Heat-Related Hazards During Summer
As the summer heat approaches, it's crucial to take extra precautions to ensure our beloved pets stay safe and healthy. Dr. Cat Munson, a veterinarian and the owner of ACES on Madison's far East side, offers some valuable advice.
First and foremost, avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day (early morning or late evening) to prevent heat-related issues. If you must walk your pet, opt for cooler surfaces such as grass or shaded sidewalks. Remember, if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws. Consider using dog booties if your pet can tolerate them.
Leaving pets in vehicles is a dangerous practice. Temperatures inside vehicles rise quickly, even with windows cracked, and can become fatal in minutes. So, never leave pets inside parked cars.
Hydration is another critical factor. Provide multiple water bowls or a water fountain to encourage adequate hydration, especially for cats. Keep these water sources in shaded, well-ventilated areas.
Outdoor exercise should be limited during peak heat, typically from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or when the pavement is hot. Monitor pets for signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, brick-red gums, and an inability to stand. If you notice any of these symptoms, cool your pet with room-temperature water and seek urgent veterinary care immediately.
Pets with thick coats, short noses, or health issues are especially vulnerable and require extra care. Be especially cautious with these pets and provide them with additional shade and water.
Other reminders include checking for sunburn and protecting pets by providing shade, ensuring safety with supervised swims or lifejackets for pets near water, and inspecting pets for ticks after outdoor exposure. Consult your vet about preventive measures for ticks.
Heat-related illness in pets can present symptoms such as panting, inability to catch breath, warmth to the touch, vomiting, and collapse. If you're concerned about your pet's health after heat exposure, contact ACES at 608-333-0500 or visit acesvetmed.com.
The information provided in this article does not reflect the opinions of Gray Media or its editorial staff. It is created on behalf of ACES, a veterinary organization, and their website is acesvetmed.com. By following these precautions, we can help reduce risks such as heatstroke, dehydration, paw pad burns, and sunburn during the summer months.
Maintaining a pet-friendly lifestyle during summer involves adjusting fitness-and-exercise routines, such as walking dogs during cooler times of the day or limiting outdoor activities for pets during peak heat. Additionally, it's essential to prioritize health-and-wellness aspects like hydration, setting up multiple water sources for pets and ensuring they are in shaded areas. In the context of science, this knowledge of pet-safe summer practices can contribute to improved animal welfare (lifestyle).
