The following is for informational purposes only and does not replace the need for veterinarian care and advice. If you have any questions or concerns about the health of your pet, seek veterinary care.
Florida summers create a unique challenge for pet owners. Animals, especially dogs, need to go outside for various reasons such as bathroom breaks, exercise, and fun. The intense heat of summer doesn’t need to put an end to those outdoor trips, but it does need to change them. The goal is always balancing your pet’s safety, their needs, and your schedule. The good news is, with a little planning, all of that is within reach. However, if something does go wrong, I will also address what you can do to ensure a good outcome.
Basic Hot Weather Rules:
- Always provide fresh, clean, cool water for your pet to drink, this is especially important while they are outside and when coming in. You can also consider offering kiddie pools filled with cool water (do not use ice water or allow it to get too hot) for them to get into while they are outside.
- Limit outside time during the hottest times of the day. Exercise should be done in the morning or at night if possible.
- Provide shady areas while pets are outside. Remember that these areas are still warm and do not equal shelter from the heat. Outdoor structures including dog houses still get extremely hot, avoid leaving your dog in these for long periods of time.
- Do not leave animals in cars unless you can leave the car on, locked, and have air conditioning running.
- Some pets love water, always practice good water safety for them.
- Dogs that have short noses and heads (brachycephalic), such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Pekingese, are especially prone to overheating. Use extreme caution with any of these type of dogs in the hot weather.
- Pavement Gets Hot! An easy tip is to put your hand to the pavement, if it burns your hand it will burn your pet’s paws. If you need to walk on pavement during the hot months, consider boots to protect their feet.
Overheating and Heatstroke:
- A dog’s normal temperature is warmer than a human, once their temperature reaches around 101.5-102 degrees Fahrenheit, they may be getting overheated. Obviously the goal is avoid reaching this stage because heatstroke can follow quickly. Follow the tips above to prevent this.
- Early signs of heatstroke can include – heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry gums, bright red gums and tongue, higher heart rate, hyperactivity, and difficulty maintaining balance. A dog may have one or all of these symptoms. If you are unsure, seek veterinary care immediately.
- Advanced signs of heatstroke can include – above condition worsens, white or blue gums, a very rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, dilated pupils, muscle tremors, lethargic and unwilling to move, uncontrollable urination or defecation, and collapse. If you see any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.
Care for Overheating and Heatstroke:
- Seek veterinary care at the first sign of heatstroke.
- To cool a dog that you believe might be overheating or to help while seeking veterinary care you should:
– Move the dog to a cool area
– Gently spray or sponge the pet with cool water (NOT ice water as this can cause further complications)
– Use a fan to blow cool air on them