How to Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer

Being a dog or cat in the summertime isn’t easy. Most furry mammals evolved in cooler climes, and their physiology shows it—house pets are commonly covered in thick, long fur. Additionally, they’re unable to regulate their body heat using human methods, meaning that they have to work extra hard to keep cool on hot, muggy days. All this being said, it’s extremely important for pet owners to help their pets chill out when the thermometer begins to inch upward.

Heat stroke is an unfortunately common ailment that affects both cats and dogs. If you believe that your pet is exhibiting symptoms of heat stroke, you should immediately consult with a veterinarian in St. Francisville, LA. Working with a qualified pet healthcare professional will give you peace of mind, and help you understand the best ways to care for your pets during the summer months.

There are several things you can do to keep your pets cool during the summer season. Here are just a few general rules of thumb to follow:

• Avoid high humidity:
  Dogs and cats alike are unable to sweat, meaning that they use their paws and panting to regulate body temperature. If the ambient air is overly humid, they will be unable to expel enough heat to safely avoid heatstroke. This means that you should avoid high humidity as much as possible. Consider investing in a dehumidifier for the room where your pets spend most of their time.
• Exercise when the sun’s down:
  Even in the heat of summer, it’s still extremely important to ensure that your pet is getting the exercise they need. You should be conscientious, however, of when you’re exercising your pet. Be sure to exercise them either early in the morning, or later in the afternoon. This will help keep you and your pet more comfortable.
• Splash around:
  Water is an extremely conductive substance, which means it’s perfectly suited for whisking heat away from your pet’s body. Providing your pet with an area where they can splash around is a great way to help them keep cool in the heat of summer. While this option may be less popular with cats, you can still use water to keep them cool by putting ice cubes in their water dishes or giving them a frozen treat.
• Stay in the shade:
  During the summertime, the sun is your enemy. Not only does direct sunlight exposure elevate the ambient temperature of the air around you, it also warms up the ground. This can hurt and damage your pet’s paws, and reduce their ability to naturally regulate their body heat. If you’re going to be spending any amount of time outside in the heat of the day with your pet, consider putting protection on their paws.

Since 1984, St. Francisville Animal Hospital has been a premier veterinarian in St. Francisville, LA. We are proud to provide each and every one of our clients with high-quality, personalized care tailored to the specific needs of their pets. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Summer