As oppressive heat continues to blanket much of the U.S., it’s especially crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones — furry friends included.
Heat waves can pose the same kinds of risks to animals as they do to humans, says Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
“If it’s hot outside for you, it’s most likely even hotter for your pet,” he tells NPR over email.
Generally, he says, pets with longer or darker fur and those with flat or pushed-in faces, like pugs or Persian cats, may have extra trouble managing heat. Pets that are older, obese or have certain medical conditions could also face a higher risk of heat stroke.
Experts recommend limiting pets’ outdoor exercise and activities if it’s too hot. But what happens when Fido needs to use the bathroom or gets restless at home?
There are precautions you can take, like keeping your pet off hot asphalt, out of parked cars and shielded from the sun (dog sunscreen is real!). And there are other activities you can do indoors to keep them active and stimulated.
Read on how to keep your pets safe in the heat — and how to tell if they’re not.
Watch out for hot pavement
Experts advise limiting walks to the cooler early morning or evening hours, in part because hot asphalt can put dogs at risk for burned paw pads.
Sy Woon, a Florida representative for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, recommends feeling the pavement with the back of your hand to see whether it’s tolerable for dogs.
“We sometimes think that they can walk across any surface and fare well, but actually, they can be quite sensitive,” she told NPR last summer.
Try to keep your pet on grass or at least avoid dark-colored pavement. Using dog booties can also help prevent accidental injury, San Filippo says.
Make sure to give your pet access to shade and cold water while outside. The Humane Society advises adding ice to water when possible, and says tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow.
“A doghouse does not provide relief from heat,” it adds. “In fact, it makes it worse.”
Pets can get sunburns, too
Sunburn is another summer pet safety risk that many owners may not be aware of, San Filippo says.
All dogs and cats may be susceptible, he says, though those that are hairless, have white or thin coats or light-pigmented noses and eyelids are especially at risk.
“There are special sunscreens available to protect pets from sunburn,” he writes. “It’s very important that you only use formulas that are specifically intended as sunscreen for your type of pet.”
And while the hot temperatures may scream summer haircut, San Filippo advises caution.
He says shaving breeds with a “double coat” (like golden retrievers, Pomeranians and huskies) is actually not recommended. Their coats provide protection from the elements, including heat, so shaving increases their chance of overheating and sunburn.
The AVMA recommends asking your vet whether your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or sunscreen.
Fleas, ticks and other bugs are also more active in warmer weather, which San Filippo says is another reason to be careful.
“It’s important that pet owners work with their veterinarians to develop a flea and tick prevention strategy, and also be aware of other critters in their area that may pose a risk to their pets,” he adds.
Optimize your indoor spaces
Experts advise leaving your pet at home if you’ll be out and about. And while they’re indoors, there are things you can do to make your pet as comfortable as possible.
The American Red Cross recommends keeping all doors and unscreened windows closed, and securing screens tightly, to keep pets from getting out.
The AVMA recommends providing different “temperature zones” throughout the house for your pet’s comfort. And the Humane Society notes that fans don’t cool pets off as effectively as people, since they respond to heat in different ways.
Make sure to provide them with water, and consider whipping up pet-friendly “pupsicles” as a refreshing treat or buying a cooling body wrap, vest or mat.
And never leave your pet in a parked car, since temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels even in the shade or with the windows down.
On an 85-degree day, for instance, the temperature inside a car with the windows slightly open can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, and 120 degrees after half an hour — which can cause irreparable organ damage or death.
If you come across a dog in a parked car this summer, the Humane Society recommends asking any nearby businesses to make a loudspeaker announcement or, if the owner can’t be found, calling the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control and waiting for them to arrive.
Entertain them with alternative pursuits:
Even if the blazing heat hinders your pet’s usual outdoor escapades, it’s crucial to ensure they remain mentally and physically engaged, emphasizes San Filippo.
“While the typical walks or visits to the dog park may not be feasible, there are inventive alternatives,” he suggests.
For those with a yard, consider creating a shaded oasis with a kiddie pool or a sprinkler for your pet’s enjoyment. Another playful option is to lightly splash your dog with a refreshing garden hose, ensuring the water is cool and limiting their intake to avoid potential stomach upset.
Explore the option of doggy day care as an indoor substitute, promising the same level of excitement as the dog park but within a comfortably air-conditioned environment. Some facilities may even offer outdoor spaces, so inquire about their hot-weather policies.
Diverse indoor exercises and enrichment activities can be crafted at home, ranging from a spirited game of hallway fetch to stimulating food puzzles.
Boost mental acuity by concealing treats or kibble around the house, allowing your pet to refine their foraging skills. San Filippo suggests initially assisting and adjusting their meals to accommodate the extra calories. Alternatively, transform your living space into an obstacle course using household items like pillows and boxes.
This period also presents an ideal opportunity to teach your pet new tricks or revisit old ones, fostering a deeper connection and unveiling their unique interests and capabilities.
Identify signs of heat-related distress:
Following exposure to extreme temperatures, stay vigilant for signs of heat stress or heat stroke in your pet.
Indicators encompass restlessness, profuse drooling, continuous panting, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal gum and tongue color, unsteady movements, collapsing, and open-mouthed breathing in cats.
In instances of suspected heat stroke, take your pet’s rectal temperature, acting when it surpasses 105 degrees and halting the cooling process at 103 degrees, in line with the Red Cross guidelines.
If signs of heat stress manifest, relocate your pet to a cool, shaded area and provide water. Cooling measures include gently running cool hose water, applying ice packs or chilled towels to the head, neck, and chest, and offering ice cubes for licking.
Exercise caution, as rapidly cooling a hyperthermic animal may cause blood vessels to constrict, hindering the cooling process. Opt for cool water or damp towels instead of icy ones, and aid evaporation by gently fanning your pet.
After immediate intervention, seek prompt veterinary attention, especially if symptoms persist.