Heat & Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets

The summer heat is here and pets are just as susceptible to heatstroke and physical ailments due to the heat as we are, if not more. Here are a few tips from your friends at Bayside Animal Hospital in Kemah, Texas regarding pet heat safety and hot weather safety for pets.

Never Leave Pets in The Car

Do not leave your pets alone in the car, especially during the summer months. According to veterinaryclinic.com, it only takes 10 minutes for a car to reach 104 degrees when it’s only 85 degrees outside. When it’s 95 degrees outside, a car will reach 114 degrees within 10 minutes and 129 degrees in 30 minutes. These temps can cause severe heat stroke and death. It’s always best to leave pets at home or plan trips with them so that they’re never left alone in the car without you.

Protect Pet Paws in the Summertime

Pet shoes and paw protectors are available in stores and online and are a necessity for pet paws during summer months. Unless you’re walking your pet outdoors during the early hours of the day or late in the evening, the ground is typically too hot for pet paws. If you touch the ground with your hand and it’s hot to the touch, it will also be too hot for your furry friend to walk on without protection. Get a few pairs of pet paw protectors for pets who like to be active outside in the middle of the day. Pet paw pads can quickly burn when they touch surfaces that are too hot. 

Provide Plenty of Water and Cool Places

Always provide plenty of water for your pets when they’re outside in the heat, as well as plenty of shade. Consider having them inside the house during the hottest part of the day, and letting them out when the day is cooler, such as the morning or evening. This is essential for preventing heatstroke and keeping your pet happy and healthy.

Don’t Expect Much Pet Exercise

During summer months, a pet should exercise much less during the day than the cooler seasons of the year. While exercise is healthy for pets, if they exert too much energy out in the heat, they can end up with heatstroke or worse, just like humans. If exercise is necessary, schedule a time for your pet to burn off some energy early in the morning before the summer heat kicks in or after the sun goes down. If it’s too hot for you to exercise, it’s too hot for your fur baby. 

Recognize the Signs of Heatstroke

Pets can quickly get heatstroke if left in the heat too long. Observe your furry friends for signs of overheating such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or other unusual signs and symptoms. It’s important to use the tips above to also prevent your pet from getting heatstroke in the first place. 

Beware of Summer Pet Haircuts

While shaving your pet’s fur to keep them cool may seem like a great idea, the truth is that this can expose a pet’s skin to the sun and cause severe sunburn. Regular grooming, brushing, and trimming are helpful for temperature regulation, but otherwise, it’s best to leave your pet’s fur close to its natural state during the sunny summer months. 

If you have any pet wellness questions or health concerns while in the Kemah or League City area, please feel free to contact us. We’re here for pet emergencies, health and wellness, pet diagnostics, medical boarding, and so much more. We even have our neighbors at the Bayside Bed & Biscuit, who also offer a variety of pet products and services for you. Our team is here whenever you need us!