Discover 5 Strategies to Shield Your Pet from Heatstroke
During the height of summer, weather conditions can become more than miserable for your furry pal—they can be downright dangerous. Protect your pet from the threat of heatstroke with the following tips.
#1: Monitor the weather
By closely monitoring the temperature and humidity levels, you can schedule your pet’s outdoor activities during the coolest period of the day. Typically, early mornings are the optimal time for exercise, as the sun and humidity haven’t significantly increased yet. During the remaining hours, it is advisable to limit outdoor time to quick bathroom breaks and reserve energetic play sessions for indoor environments.
#2: Encourage your pet to drink
Certain pets can get easily caught up in outdoor activities and may neglect to hydrate themselves adequately. To encourage your pet to consume more water, you can enhance their water bowl by adding ice cubes, investing in a pet drinking fountain, or regularly replenishing their water with fresh, cool liquid.
#3: Seek the shade
Whether you’re relaxing outside with your pet or taking a stroll around the block, seek the shade to prevent overheating and burnt paws. Although your pet’s paw pads may seem impervious to harm, they are sensitive and can blister easily from walking on scorching hot pavement.
#4: Use extra care for pets with certain conditions
Certain health issues or characteristics can increase your pet’s risk of heatstroke. If your furry pal falls into any of the following categories, take extra precautions to prevent overheating:
- Overweight or obese
- Very young or very old
- Dark- or thick-furred
- Cardiac disease
- Respiratory disorders
- Endocrine imbalances
#5: Know the warning signs of impending heatstroke
To prevent heat stress or heat exhaustion from developing into full-blown heatstroke, which can cause organ failure, learn what warning signs to watch for in your pet. Early signs that indicate your pet is overheating include:
- Heavy panting
- Thick, ropey drool
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
If your pet continues to overheat without relief, they can develop vomiting, diarrhea, sudden collapse, or seizures.
If your pet shows signs of heatstroke, cool them off, then contact our team for further treatment.