It’s summertime! The sun is shining. The kids are out of school. The beach, pool and boat are calling. Summertime is synonymous with being outdoors! That means layering on the sunscreen, always having a bottle of cold water at the ready, and wearing cool, breathable clothing. Just like we prepare ourselves to be safe in the Florida sun and heat, we need to do the same for our pets! Just like us, pets can become sunburned or suffer heatstroke. Below are some tips from our veterinarians on how to keep your pets safe in the summer heat.
Vets Tips: Beat the Doggone Heat
Pets need exercise even when it’s hot, but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days so as not to have them overheat! Extra care should be shown to older and overweight pets, as they are at a higher risk for heatstroke. And when doing so, avoid the worst of the heat, which happens midday. Take dogs on walks in the early mornings or late afternoons when the sun’s heat is less intense. And be sure to feel the asphalt! Asphalt soaks in the sun’s rays and gets hot quickly. Make sure to feel the asphalt your pet is walking on with your hand or bare foot to see if it’s hot to the touch. If it is, have your pet walk in the grass.
When you and your pet are relaxing outdoors, be sure to find shade and a breeze. Doghouses are not good shelter in the summer. Although they provide shade, they can trap heat. Just like you, water on the skin helps to cool pets down. Consider filling a child-size wading pool with fresh water. Make sure to empty and refill it frequently to keep the water fresh and cool, and so as not to create a mosquito breeding ground. Another way to get some cool water on your pet’s skin is with a spray bottle. If they tolerate it, use a spray bottle filled with cool water to spritz your dog to help cool him down.
Hydration
Just like people, pets can become dehydrated when more fluids leave their body than they take in. Fluids are lost through panting, urination, and even evaporation. Be sure your pet always has access to plenty of cool, fresh water to keep them hydrated. Thirsty pets without access to fresh water are bound to drink something they shouldn’t like puddles that could contain pesticides or oils. When putting a bowl of water out, be sure not to leave it out for too long without refreshing. Pets can get sick from bacteria that can grow in hot water. Consider adding ice cubes to your pet’s bowl as a way to keep the water cool for a longer period.
Sunburn
Just like people, all pets can get sunburned from the sun’s rays. Pet sunburns can cause peeling, redness and even cancer. Hairless breeds, those with white or thin coats and those with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are even more susceptible to sunburn. Vets recommend avoiding sunburn by applying sunscreen to the spots on your pet most exposed to sunshine, such as the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around his lips, groin and inner thighs. Apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside. Then watch to make sure that your dog doesn’t lick it off for about 10 or 15 minutes so that it has a chance to absorb. Choose a sunscreen that is specifically intended for dogs.
Travel
We’ve all heard the horror stories, so it should go without saying, but NEVER leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. When traveling with your pet in a crate, put ice packs wrapped in a towel in the crate to keep him cool. Also, consider using a cooling pad as the crate liner. Also make sure to provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip. This will ensure your pet has access to cool fresh water at all times. And always make sure the crate is well ventilated!
Symptoms to Watch For
Pets can develop heatstroke fairly quickly. Signs include excessive panting, staring, anxious facial expressions, warm skin, refusal to obey commands by owner, vomiting, collapse and rapid heartbeat. Certain dog breeds that have short snouts cannot pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. And breeds with thick coats cannot cool down as quickly. These breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke. If you suspect your pet is suffering heatstroke, lower their temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of their body and call your veterinarian.
Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics have been providing affordable, high-quality veterinary care to the Jacksonville community since 2009. We have two locations, one in Jacksonville Beach, one in West Jacksonville. We also operate from a mobile clinic, which brings free brief exams, low cost pet shots and access to affordable prescription medications to Jacksonville and the surrounding five county area.
