By Katie Hunt, CNN
(CNN) — As a heat wave blankets southern Arizona to coastal Florida, bringing triple-digit temperatures and extreme humidity to more than 55 million people and their pets.
Staying cool in hot weather is a challenge for humans. What about our pets?
THE American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, THE Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the British Veterinary Association We recommend taking the following steps to ensure the safety of your dog, cat or other pet in hot weather.
What you should not do
Don’t walk your dog in the midday heat. Dogs can struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and are vulnerable to overheating. This is because they cannot sweat and rely on panting to cool their body temperature. Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are even more at risk, as they did a short snout that can make breathing difficult. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Never leave a dog or animal in a car, trailer, porch or shed on a warm or even hot day. Being locked in a car for just a few minutes can be deadly for a pet.
Do not place hutches or cages in direct sunlight at any time of the day. Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down.
What to do
A test on tarmac. Place the palm of your hand on the ground for five seconds before walking your dog. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.
Make sure your pet has adequate shade. Provide additional shade for guinea pigs by covering the top of the wire mesh runs with damp towels.
Give all animals constant access to fresh water. They can become dehydrated very quickly. You can even put ice cubes in their water bowl.
Provide a cool place to rest. This may include damp towels to lie on, but do not place a damp towel on your dog as this can trap heat.
Use sunscreen. Some breeds of cats and dogs, especially those with lighter or thinner fur, may also benefit from sunscreen, especially on the tips of the ears, which are prone to sunburn.
THE British Veterinary Association “recommends avoiding sunscreens containing zinc oxide to avoid zinc toxicity. If it’s difficult to find pet-safe products, hypoallergenic or human baby products may work instead. It’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to ensure you are applying the right sunscreen correctly and in the right place,” wrote Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association, on the association’s website.
Beware of the first signs of heat stroke. In dogs, these include intense panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heat stroke in rabbits include drooling, salivation, lethargy, short, shallow breaths, red, hot ears, a wet nose, and seizures.
If you suspect heat stroke or any other heat-related problem, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area. Give him small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink and pour room temperature water over him to cool him down. Seek advice from your veterinarian immediately.
Check sheds, greenhouses and summerhouses before closing them. Cats like comfortable places, but they risk becoming too hot or dehydrated if they get stuck.
Do not leave animals unattended around a swimming pool. Not all dogs are good swimmers and many need to be trained around water. Dogs should also be rinsed after swimming to remove salt or chlorine. Additionally, it is safer to have pets wear flotation devices when on boats.
Groom your cat or dog regularly. Regular grooming in warm weather can help remove dead or excess hair, leaving your cat or dog with a thinner coat, which will help keep them cool.
Stick to your dog’s usual diet. Fruits like watermelon and blueberries are OK as a single treat, the British Veterinary Association said in response to a question from CNN, but the rinds could pose a choking hazard.
“We strictly advise against sharing ice cream or other human foods for human and animal health reasons. Obesity is currently one of the most significant health problems that veterinarians see in practice. »
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This has been updated from a 2022 story.