Bay Area Heat Warning – Tips for Pets! It is going to continue to be HOT this week! Hot weather can be dangerous for our pets. Keep reading for suggestions on keeping your pets cool in the summer time.
- PLEASE keep your pets indoors with shades drawn, air conditioning on, or a fan to keep them cool during the day.
- If your pet has to stay outside be sure they have access to shaded and cool areas.
- Make sure they have access to plenty of cool, fresh water. You can even put ice cubes in the bowls to keep it extra cool!
- Keep long, thick fur trimmed and lightweight for a cooler summer cut.
- Wait until late evening or early morning to take your dog for a walk. Exercise in extreme heat can cause heat stroke, and the hot asphalt burns their sensitive paws.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or play in the hot weather. Don’t overdo it!
- NEVER leave your animal in the car! The temperature inside the car can reach 120 degrees in just a few minutes, even with the windows cracked!
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Get your pet to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY if you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke! Heat stroke is an emergency! You can read more about heatstroke here.
- Excessive panting
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness, possible collapse
- Bloody diarrhea
- Flat nosed breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs are more susceptible to heat stroke. They cannot pant as effectively. Other pets at high risk include overweight pets, elderly pets, and pets with lung or heart disease.
If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke get them to a vet immediately. In the interim try to cool them off by dousing them with cool water. Don’t use ice cold water and don’t soak them completely with cold water. Soaking them can cause shock and constrict the blood vessels, trapping heat inside the body. Pour cool water on their arm pits, groin, and paws. Remember that heat stroke is a veterinary emergency – call a vet immediately if your pet is showing any of the symptoms.
Tips for Keeping Small Mammal Pets Cool (Rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)
- Place a large, ceramic tile (available for cheap at hardware stores) overnight in the refrigerator or freezer and place inside the pet’s cage. Cover the sharp edges so your pet doesn’t get cut.
- Put a cool, damp towel in one part of the cage or drape the towel on the outside of the cage over one side to create a shaded, cool shelter.
- Keep cages indoors and out of direct sunlight.
- Wrap a frozen water bottle in a towel and prop it so it’s secure it in the cage. The pet can lean against it.
- Use an oscillating fan in the room to provide cool air flow. Make sure the fan is not blowing constantly or directly on the pet.
- Feed them refrigerated veggies and frozen fruit
- To regulate rabbit’s temperature, mist their ears lightly.
- View this informative page from the House Rabbit Society to learn about heat exhaustion and more useful tips.
If we take proper precautions and follow simple, preventative guidelines, our furry friends can be kept healthy and safe, and we can all enjoy the fun summer season. Explore the Pet Health Resource Library for questions and answers from San Ramon’s Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care. Check out their website for more information, or if you have questions or concerns.