Many Canadians cannot resist being out in the warm summer weather after the long winter’s frigid temperatures, often enjoying extended walks with their four-legged companions. While you may believe the outdoor temperature is not overly hot, you must keep in mind that your pet wears their fur coat year-round, which increases their heat-injury risk from prolonged high temperature exposure. Follow our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team’s five tips to ensure your pet stays cool and safe this summer. 

#1: Learn to recognize your pet’s heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs

Too much of a good thing can be dangerous, and prolonged outdoor activity while temperatures and humidity levels are high can put your pet at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) breeds (e.g., pugs, French bulldogs, Persian cats) have an increased heat exhaustion or heat stroke risk, because they cannot cool themselves properly. Senior, ill, and overweight pets have an increased heat stroke risk, because they are unable to regulate their body temperature properly. Heat stroke can occur when a pet’s core temperature increases above the normal range of 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) to 39 degrees Celsius (102.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital professionals, and bring in your pet for emergency veterinary care if they display any of the following heat stroke signs:

  • Lethargy
  • Incoordination
  • Excessive panting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Bright red, dry, or tacky gums
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea, which may contain blood
  • Bruising without apparent trauma 
  • Collapse
  • Muscle tremors 
  • Seizures

#2: Keep pets cool and inside during peak temperature hours

Physical exercise is a vital part of your pet’s overall health and wellness. However, avoid exercising your pet during peak temperature hours—between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. When your pet is enjoying outdoor activities, ensure they take frequent breaks and have access to shade. Pets can easily become dehydrated in warm or humid weather, so ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water. On days when the temperature is extremely high, or if your pet has an increased heat stroke risk, get creative indoors by playing fetch with a soft toy or a hide-and-seek game with their favorite treat. 

#3: Never leave pets unattended inside a vehicle

Many pets enjoy the wind in their fur while riding in the car. However, leave your pet at home if you plan to run errands. Every year, heat stroke kills hundreds of pets who are left unattended in vehicles. On days that seem cooler, you may be tempted to leave your pet briefly unattended in the car, with the windows cracked open, but this has little cooling effect on your vehicle’s interior temperature. Keep in mind that a vehicle’s temperature can rise more than 7 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) in only 10 minutes. Instead, leave your pet at home, where they can remain cool, comfortable, and safe.

#4: Set your pet’s barbecue and pool-time boundaries

Pool parties and family cookouts are popular summertime activities, and pet owners naturally want to include their pets. However, pets often take advantage of the cooking chaos, and get in trouble. Never leave a hot grill unattended, because your pet may be tempted to sample your grilling masterpiece, but end up singing their whiskers and burning their paws or mouth. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, to prevent injuries, pets should be kept more than three feet away from barbecue grills. 

Taking a dip in the pool is a great way for people and pets to cool off during outdoor gatherings. All pets should wear life jackets around pools and other bodies of water, and should never be left unattended. Accidents happen, and pets who are skilled swimmers can accidentally drown. 

#5: Protect your pet’s paws

Asphalt or cement sidewalks radiate heat, and put your dog—especially breeds who are lower to the ground—at risk for overheating. When temperatures are at their highest, avoid walking your dog on paved surfaces. In addition, if your bare feet cannot tolerate walking on a hot paved surface, your pet’s paws cannot either, and may get burned or injured. To keep your pet’s paws safe, walk on grass. In addition, your pet can wear booties, or you can apply a breathable barrier wax (e.g.,  Musher’s secret) to their footpads, which will protect their paws from heat-related injuries.

If you have questions about keeping your pet safe during the summer heat, call our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team, or schedule your pet’s summer checkup to ensure they do not have an increased heat stroke risk.