By entering a weekend of extreme heat, it is important to protect yourself and your pet from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
At Palm Desert Civic Center Dog Park, a local woman says she comes every day because “grass is key” when she wants to exercise her dog even in hot weather. “I don’t want to walk my dog like I’m in the neighborhood and see them all, you know, burned with their feet and paws on the asphalt. They get really hot.”
To help pet owners keep their pets cool despite rising temperatures, Best Friends of Animals Society also offers tips below:
· Exercise dogs during the cooler hours of the morning or evening, not during the intense heat of the afternoon.
· Keep pets indoors during the hottest times of the day. Brisk walks and bathroom breaks are fine in extreme heat, but try to keep animals in the shade.
· Be aware of the temperature of the sidewalk, asphalt, sand or even hard-packed earth, as these can burn your pet’s pads if they get too hot.
· If animals spend time outdoors during the day, make sure they have access to shade at all times of the day.
· Provide your pets with fresh, cool water, as most dogs will not drink hot water no matter how thirsty.
· Older or overweight dogs with thick coats or sunken noses are particularly at risk of overheating.
· Dogs with bald spots or minimal coat may need sunscreen.
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 at even greater risk, as they have short muzzles 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 to 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 themselves.
What to do
A tarmac test. 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 tops of 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 can include wet towels to lie on, but don’t put a wet towel on your dog as it can trap heat.
Use sunscreen. Certain breeds of cats and dogs, especially those with lighter or finer coats, 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 products that are safe for animals, hypoallergenic or human baby products may be suitable instead. It’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to make sure you’re 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 heatstroke. 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, wet nose and seizures.
If you suspect heatstroke or any other heat-related problem, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area. Give it small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water to drink and pour room temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your veterinarian.
Check sheds, greenhouses and summerhouses before closing them. Cats like comfortable places, but they may overheat or become dehydrated if they get stuck.
Do not leave pets unattended around a 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. Also, it is safer to have pets wear flotation devices when on boats.
Groom your cat or dog regularly. Regular grooming in hot weather can help remove dead or excess hair, leaving your cat or dog with a thinner coat, which will help them stay cool.
Stick to your dog’s regular diet. Fruits like watermelon and blueberries are okay as a sole treat, the British Veterinary Association said in response to a question from CNN, but rinds could pose a choking hazard.
“We strictly advise against sharing ice cream or other food intended for humans for human and animal health reasons. Obesity is currently one of the most important health problems that veterinarians see in practice. »
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