With the recent temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, it reminds us of the dangers heat can have on our bodies and health. The same holds true for our pets as well. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind for pet safety during the heat.
- Provide ample shade to protect them from the sun and heat. Tree shade and tarps are great because they allow air flow where a doghouse holds the heat and does not provide relief from the heat. Pets with white or light-colored ears are more prone to burning and/or developing skin cancer.
- Provide lots of fresh water.
- Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise them during the coolest part of the day, adjusting the intensity and duration as needed. Because asphalt gets very hot, walk pets in the grass, if possible. Be especially watchful with pets who have short noses. They typically have difficulty breathing which could be worsened by the heat and exercising too much.
- Cool your pet inside and out by freezing cubed watermelon and taking it as an on-the-go treat for you and your dog.
- Do not rely on fans to cool pets. They sweat through their paws so a fan will not cool them off like they do people.
- Do not leave your pet in a parked car for any time period - not even with the vehicle running with the air conditioner on. You never know what could go wrong. During warm days, even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a vehicle can exceed 120 degrees in minutes. Pets can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.
The signs of heat stress caused by the exposure to high temperatures include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue. If you believe your pet is overheated, move them to a cooler area and gradually lower their body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water all over the body or soaking them in a cool bath. Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. Wetting the ear flaps and paws with cool water and directing a fan on the wet areas to speed evaporative cooling also will help. If they are alert, offer them fresh, cool water to drink but do not force them to drink. You may need to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to have them checked out.
If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton with any questions or for more information.
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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
