More Hotdogs, Less Hot Dogs: Keeping Pets Cool In Summer

Summer heat can be dangerous for pets, especially those with short noses, like bulldogs, pugs and persians, or those who are overweight or have underlying health conditions. Keeping your pet cool is essential to prevent heatstroke, a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, lethargy and collapsing.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. While you’re seeking help, you can try to cool your pet down by:

• Moving your pet to a cool, shaded area
• Applying cool, damp towels to your pet’s feet
• Offering your pet small amounts of cool water

How To Keep Pets Cool

• Provide multiple water options. Ensure there’s always fresh water available, both inside and outside. You can add ice cubes to the water to keep it cool throughout the day. Many cats enjoy clean, running water, often choosing to drink from the shower or sink. To encourage them to drink more, consider products like filtered water fountains. Catit offers a variety of options

• Walk dogs in the early morning or late evening. Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day. Walking on hot ground not only makes your dog hot, but it can also burn their paws. If the ground is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws

• Allow them inside during the hottest part of the day. Provide a cool indoor resting area. Limit their access to the outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. Cats especially like to lie down on cool tiles in the bathroom or laundry room

• Freeze treats. Make large ice blocks with pet bone broth or tuna water for a refreshing treat that they can lick. You can also fill it with treats and toys. Spread wet food, plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, anchovy paste, or pet bone broth on a licki-mat and freeze for a fun and cooling snack

• Provide shaded areas. Ensure there is plenty of shade for them when they are outside

• Use cooling mats. Invest in cooling mats or beds designed to help regulate your pet’s body temperature

• Provide elevated dog beds outside. Elevated beds can help keep your dog off the hot ground and allow for better air circulation

• Provide a pool. A small pool or clamshell pool can offer a refreshing way for your dog to cool off. Check the water temperature regularly and keep it out of the sun so it doesn’t overheat

• Use a pet-safe sunscreen. If your pet has short fur or is exposed to direct sunlight, consider using a pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive skin areas such as the nose, ears, and belly

• Keep their paws cool. Dogs and cats regulate their temperature through their paws, so keeping their feet cool with a wet flannel can help lower their body temperature

• Don’t leave your pet in a car on a hot day. Never leave a dog or cat in a car during summer, as temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels, even if the windows are cracked. Avoid travelling with your pet on hot days

• Make sure they aren’t trapped. Your cat might have discovered a cozy hiding spot in the shed or garage. Before closing the door, double-check that your feline friend isn’t inside. Being trapped in a non-ventilated area can lead to heatstroke.