How the Heat Affects Your Pet

Most of us human or pet look forward to long days of summertime sunshine. Spring and summer mean warm breezes that make for enjoyable walks, sunbathing satisfaction, and pleasantries in between. But when does warm become hot? And how much heat is too much? High heat pet risk prevention is imperative for any summertime pet owner to know for proper pet care in seasons of high temperatures.

Know Heat Stroke Symptoms

Heat stroke occurs when body temperatures rise above normal temperature levels. When this happens, seizures, organ malfunction and death can occur. Precisely as humans need to monitor our body temperatures, our pets and other animals also need to maintain a healthy body temperature.

Keep You Pets Cool in Summer

If your pet shows symptoms such as being lethargic, having difficulties breathing, or is being unresponsive, you need to act immediately. Make sure that you and your pet stay hydrated. A lack of water during a wave of heat will not be pleasant for anyone. Providing shade, a fan or air conditioning to indoor and outdoor areas during high temperatures will greatly reduce the temperature and stuffiness of hot air, and will assist well in maintaining a specific temperature.

Monitor Risks of Excess Water Sources

When warm weather emerges swimming pools, car washes, and other excess sources of water emerge as well. In days of high heat, especially for animals with heavy fur coats, pets gravitate toward any cool water source that they can. And equally as a kid who has gone swimming too much is prone to ear infections, pets that are often involved with excess water have a higher risk for ear infections too.

To reduce the risk, take the time to gently remove moisture from your pet’s ears with a dry rag or cotton balls. You can also use an ear cleaner from the nearest pet store, to keep your pet’s ears infection-free.

Comforts from Head to Paw

Whether a cat, dog, guinea pig or otherwise, your pet’s feet need as much protection as your own when walking on heat-soaked areas. Proper footwear should be worn when walking on ground and floor areas that are made of asphalt, concrete or other heat-absorbing materials. If you need shoes on your feet to keep them from burning, so does the pet you are walking beside.

When you take your pet outside on days with high heat temperatures, be sure to consider these necessary tips, for the welfare of your pet. Once you do, you and your pet will be well prepared for tackling the hottest of spring and summer days.