AP – As much of the world swelters, it’s not just people who need help with the hot weather. Pet owners have to consider how to both shield and cool down furry family members as intense – at times deadly – heat waves become more common.
“It’s really important to remember that if it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pets,” said American Veterinary Medical Association president Dr Sandra Faeh. A dog’s breed, weight and chronic health issues also matter. “There’s not one specific temperature that we can say, `this is the right temperature to go outside,’ because they’re all different.”
SIMPLE SAFETY STEPS
Of course, the surest strategy against high temperatures is to take pets out in the morning and evening, Faeh advised. If you must take them out during the day, be quick and stick to shade, grass and dirt. Pavement can be a scorcher on paws.
“We often think that their paws are thicker, they’re not as susceptible to the heat, but they are. They can blister, they can hurt,” Faeh said.
One paw-sitive measure: Faeh said dog booties made with a thick fabric can help with hot surfaces. Dogs just need time to get the hang of walking in them. Pets can also suffer sunburns, which can manifest as lighter pigment on the nose, or around the face on short-hair breeds. Veterinarians can prescribe special sunscreen.
Providing relief even after brief sun exposure is as important as sun protection. Cooling mats and small fans can help. And besides giving dogs water, you can wet their bodies with cool water. But not too cold, Faeh warned.
“If they get cold too quickly, their vessels constrict and then they have a harder time cooling off,” she said.
In a power blackout, Faeh suggested putting pets in a cooler part of the home like a basement or a windowless room. Keep fresh water on hand and any blinds or curtains closed.
Signs to look for if a dog is experiencing heat-related stress or heatstroke include restlessness, excessive panting, drooling and even vomiting. Cats show distress through open-mouth breathing. In any of these scenarios, contact a veterinarian immediately, Faeh advised.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESSORISING
There’s a wide array of pet accessories and devices available to help beat the heat, said American Pet Products Association president Pete Scott. But some markets have been caught off-guard by the higher temperatures.
“You’ve got to be vigilant and be prepared. Like if it’s a week out when they say a heat wave is coming, everybody stocks up on bottled water. But they don’t also stock up for their pets.”
Besides booties, protective gear can mean a sun visor and doggy sunglasses or goggles, if your pet will wear them.
Other helpful tools include cooling collars and elevated dog beds that help with airflow, Scott said.
You can also feed Fido chilled goodies like canine-friendly gelato, pup-sicles and ice cream mixes.
AND UGH, THE CAR…
Summertime also sees cases of people leaving or forgetting pets in hot cars.
The temperature inside a vehicle can surpass the outside very quickly.
“It is so much better to just leave them at home and know that they’re gonna be wagging their tail and giving you kisses when you walk in the door,” Faeh said.
Some vehicles come with dashboard alerts if a child or pet is still in the back.
There are also backseat car alarms on the market. But ultimately, “it always comes down to the human that owns the pet”, Scott said. – Terry Tang
