7 Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe in Hot Weather

Animals can get dehydrated very quickly in hot weather, so it's important to make plenty of water available to them. When putting a bowl of water outside, always place it in a shaded area so it won't get too hot. And check it often to make sure it hasn't been knocked over or emptied.

On those really hot days, keep the pets inside as much as possible. A fan or air-conditioning that gives them some sort of air movement will keep them comfortable and safe. If they're outside, it's too easy for them to stay in the sun too long and overheat. And if they have to stay outside, make sure they have access to a cool, shaded area.

Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting or heavy breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Your pet may also experience seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit, along with an elevated body temperature over 104 degrees. If your pet is experiencing these types of symptoms, a trip to the vet is in order.

I always hate the sad looks I get from Pernicus and Lola when I leave the house and they can't come with me. But it's for their own good on warm days. It doesn't even have to be that hot for the interior of a car to become dangerous. If you don't believe me, shut yourself in the car on a 75 degree day and stay there, with the windows cracked, for 10 minutes. Wow!

It's so tough to look at some animals, dogs especially, who have heavy, thick coats on a hot day. I mean, you wouldn't wear a fur coat when it's 80 degrees out! But that coat is their best defense against sunburn. So, it's okay to trim your pet's hair in the summer, but don't shave it. Leave enough hair to protect their skin. And, if you're going to use sunscreen on them, make sure it's safe for pets.

If you know what it feels like to walk barefoot on a hot road, then you can imagine how it feels on the pads of your dog's paws. When you take your four-legged friend for their walk, encourage them to walk on the grass, instead of the pavement. And plan your trip down the road for early morning or dusk, when the blacktop will be cooler.

Now is the time, if you haven't already, to get your pet a check-up. The doctor can make sure they're protected against heartworm, and set them up with medication for fleas and ticks. And program your vet's phone number into your phone so, if your pet should start showing signs of distress, you can contact them immediately.

Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!