Keeping Pets Cool in the Summer
Reading Time:
Warm weather gives us more opportunities to get outside with our pets, but high temperatures can create serious health risks. Pets can overheat quickly in hot, humid or poorly ventilated spaces, so a few simple precautions can help keep them comfortable and reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Use these tips to help your pet stay safe during warm weather:
- Keep fresh water available. Pets can become dehydrated quickly in the heat, so make sure they always have access to cool drinking water and consider pet-safe frozen treats for extra relief.
- Provide a cool place to rest. Shaded outdoor areas, basements, tile floors and air-conditioned rooms can give pets a safe place to cool down when temperatures rise.
- Check pavement before walks. If the sidewalk or asphalt feels too hot for the back of your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s paws, so choose grass or shaded routes when possible.
- Plan walks for cooler parts of the day. Early morning and late evening are usually safer, and shorter walks with water breaks can help prevent overheating.
Never leave pets in a parked car without air conditioning. Even when the weather does not seem dangerously hot, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by about 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and cracking the windows makes little difference.
If your pet must remain in the vehicle for a short time, keep the air conditioning running and make sure the doors and windows are secure. Some electric vehicles include a pet mode that keeps the AC running and locks the doors and windows of the vehicle. Some manufacturers include a feature that displays a message letting others know the pet is safe, but it is still best to avoid leaving pets unattended whenever possible.
With preparation and awareness, you can help your pet stay hydrated, avoid extreme heat and enjoy summer more safely.
