How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Cool During Hot Summer Days

When we moved last September, we headed north.  The weather where we live now is generally cooler than where we were this time last year (and a LOT less humid too).  Despite the cooler weather, we’ve suffered through a handful of heat waves so far this summer.  Last week we had two days that got up to around 95*F.  Our local newscaster kept describing the weather as feeling like wearing a “wet sweater”, aka it was humid and hot – my least favorite weather.

Kit and Fen are not fans of the heat either!  It’s important to remember that the hot temperatures can affect our pets just as much, if not more, as it does us.  But how hot is too hot?  The answer, of course, depends on what type of pet is in question, as well as your individual pet’s heat tolerance.

It’s important to learn what temperature range is optimal for each of your pets.  Research temperature ideals for your type of pet, but also pay attention to your pet’s individual needs.  Learn to recognize signs of discomfort due to increased body temperature, such as excessive panting and drooling in dogs.  Make sure your pets have access to cool, shady areas and fresh water at all times.

Some heat related issues in pets include sunburn (yes, animals can get sunburns), hyperthermia, dehydration, and heat stroke.  The symptoms of heat related illness will vary depending on what species your pet is.  Prevention is always the best option when it comes to heat related illnesses.  The following tips will help you to keep your furry friends more comfortable this summer…

1. If your pet requires or enjoys exercise, try to limit excessive activity to the cooler times of the day – usually early in the morning and later in the evening.
2. Limit sun exposure, especially for pets with little or no fur, to protect them from the sun’s rays.
3. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.
4. Never leave your pet in a car, or other wise confined to small areas, where they can quickly overheat.
5. Be mindful of your pets’ paws in the hot weather.  Pavement and other outdoor surfaces can get very hot in the summer sun, putting sensitive paws at risk of being burned.
6. Know your pets’ limitations.  Certain breeds/species come with more summer time risks than others.  Hairless breeds are much more susceptible to sunburn, and heavily furred northern breeds, like my Fenrir, may not tolerate high temperatures as well as other breeds.  Cat and dog breeds with flat faces are more prone to suffering from heat related illnesses as well.
   

Fingers and paws crossed that the rest of the summer goes by without too many days of extreme temperatures.  I feel like Fen has been blowing his coat for weeks now.  I’m not quite sure how such a little dog looses that much hair and doesn’t just poof away to nothing.  Thankfully it stays pretty comfortable and cool inside our house, but the hot weather has been putting a damper on the frequency of our outdoor adventures.  Kit, Fen, and I are all eager to get back to our daily hiking!

Is there anything special you do for your pet to help keep him/her cool during hot weather?