Help Your Pet Beat the Heat
As the temperature heats up, it’s good to know some tips on how to keep your pet safe, as well as steps you can take if your pet does overheat.
1. Keep them cool
- - Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun and plenty of cool, clean water.
- - Don't over-exercise them.
- - Keep them inside on exceptionally hot days.
- - Walk your dog in the morning or evening to avoid exposing the sensitive pads of their paws to the scorching pavement.
- - Do not ever leave a pet alone in a parked car on warmer day. Even if the temperature outside seems tolerable, cars left in the sun become hazardously hot, and fast!
2. Know the symptoms
Symptoms of overheating in pets include:
- - Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- - Increased heart and respiratory rate
- - Excessive drooling
- - Physical weakness
- - Stupor or confusion
- - Vomiting
- Collapse
3. Damage Control
If you suspect your pet may have overheated:
- - Do NOT put them directly into ice water! This can be more dangerous than heat stroke because it causes the peripheral blood vessels to contract, actually trapping the overheated blood at the body's core.
- - Cool your pet down slowly by placing them in cool water, or by covering them with wet towels.
- - Put your pet in front of a fan.
- - Make sure to offer them plenty of water.
- - Take a trip to the vet. Even if your pet seems recovered, some delayed but serious effects can occur days after heat exposure.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets. By following these precautionary tips you can help ensure your pets stay safe and enjoy the fun with you.
From Homesite, we wish you and your pets a happy summer season!
This information is provided for your convenience and is not intended as insurance advice. The views, opinions, and advice expressed in this article do not represent those of Homesite Group Incorporated. Please consult your insurance carrier or agent for information regarding your policy or coverages.