If there’s something that most Coloradan pets have in common, it’s probably their keen sense of, and appreciation for, the great outdoors. While we love to support their zest for fun, it’s always a good idea to temper some of their enthusiasm by prioritizing heat safety measures. With our essential tips, we’ve got your pet covered this spring and summer.

Weather-Related Problems

Pets regulate their internal body temperature by panting and sweating through their paw pads. While these mechanisms help to cool pets down, they aren’t nearly as effective as, say, whole-body sweating is for people. This means that they are highly vulnerable to the effects of heat and humidity. To further complicate things, if a pet continues to work or exercise in the heat or suffers from dehydration, heatstroke must be treated immediately.

All in the Timing

To prevent heat-related problems, try to establish and maintain a new spring/summer routine. Exercise before it gets too hot, or after the sun goes down to limit your pet’s exposure to the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays.

Many pets do not show obvious signs of dehydration (such as lethargy, low appetite, sunken eyes, or dry mouth) or heat exhaustion and, in fact, want to keep running and playing in the sun. Try to enforce the following strategies to keep pets cool this summer:

  • Always seek or provide shade
  • Keep cool, fresh water on hand at all times
  • Avoid super hot pavement, asphalt, or gravel. Provide shoes for their paws, or look for grassy areas
  • Cooling bandanas, shirts, vests, and mats can bring a pet’s temperature down
  • Try to plan for activities on or near the water, provided your pet has some experience with wading (invest in a good life jacket)
  • Never leave your pet inside a parked vehicle

Preventing Heatstroke in Dogs

Knowing the signs of heatstroke can go a long way to mitigate the seriousness of this condition. The following are the most common signs of heatstroke that must be tended to promptly:

  • Excessive or uncontrollable panting, especially without exertion
  • Uncharacteristic drooling
  • Lethargy, disorientation, or weakness
  • Rectal temperature over 103-degrees
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Bright red tongue and/or gums
  • Seizure or loss of consciousness

Pet Heat Safety

Bringing down a pet’s temperature must be done slowly to prevent shock. Find a cool area with excellent cross-ventilation. Apply lukewarm compresses to the back, neck, abdomen, groin, and armpits. Offer small sips of cool water. Call us for more information regarding your pet’s specific symptoms.

Keeping Pets Cool in Summer

We encourage all pet owners to closely monitor how much water their pets drink every day. The rule of thumb is one ounce of water per pound of body weight every day, minimum. Encourage them to continuously visit their water bowl(s), especially after any exercise or time out in the sun.

A kiddie pool or sprinkler in the backyard are fun additions, add ice cubes to water bowls, and get creative with your own DIY pup-sicles.

If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health this spring and summer, our staff at Coal Creek Animal Hospital is always here to help. Please call us at (720) 894-4005.

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