Hot Weather Safety Tips

Hot Weather Safety Tips

June 23, 2022

The summer is a challenging time for pets and people. As sweltering temperatures approach, you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure your pets are safe. These are some safety tips to keep them healthy during the summer heatwaves:

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

The first thing to address is heat exhaustion. You might ask, "How does the hot weather affect dogs?" or "Do dogs act different in hot weather?" You can tell that your dog is having a tough time by the following signs:

  • Strong panting 
  • Decrease in activities
  • Mood Swings
  • Increased heart rate
  • Red mucus

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, you may need to take your pet inside where the air is cool.

Hydrate Your Pet Frequently

Pets need as much hydration in the summer as people do; thus, you must make a lot of water available to your pet. Keep bowls of water inside and outside of your home, and set them in the shade when your animal is active outside. 

Do Not Leave Your Pet Alone in Cars or Pools

Never leave your pet in a car alone when you go shopping. The heat can swelter inside of an automobile and cause your pet to get sick quickly. You never know how long you might get stuck in the store, so it isn’t safe — even if you leave the window cracked. 

Another thing to avoid is leaving your pet unattended by the poolside. It may get hot, and your dog might decide to jump in to cool off. Drowning can occur in only a few minutes if that happens. Thus, you should always stay close to your pet if it’s by the water. 

Avoid Letting Your Pet Walk on Hot Asphalt

Avoid letting your pet walk on hot asphalt in the summer. The temperatures can be high enough to cause significant paw burns, which will require you to take your pet to the vet. 

Take Your Pet To the Vet Before Summer

It’s always wise to take your animal to the vet before the hot seasons start. You’ll need to have the doctor check it for conditions like heartworm to ensure it’s free of illnesses and safe for summertime activities. 

Be Careful With Older Pets

Older pets tend to be much more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Therefore, you must give them a little extra care by keeping them in air-conditioned rooms and lots of shade if you’re going to be outside. 

Exercise During Cooler Hours

Your pet needs exercise, but it’s essential to be smart when choosing time intervals. The best time to take your pet outside for exercise is early in the morning before the sun reaches its peak. 

Keep Your Unscreened Windows Closed

Dogs can be very inquisitive. Therefore, they might get curious and tear at a window screen that isn’t closed. That can cause injuries to the animal or cause your pet to leave the premises and get hurt in the street. 

These are some helpful tips you can choose if you want to keep your dog safe in the summertime. Be sure to pay attention to all of them to give your pet the best experience. 

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