Help your pet beat the heat
Heat and humidity can be very dangerous for your pet. Without shade and water, pets can overheat, become ill and die within a short time.
Follow these tips to help your pets beat the heat this summer:
Provide plenty of fresh water
Pets need fresh water at home and outside. When you go out, bring water for your pet.
Watch out for hot pavement and beaches
Sensitive paws burn easily.
Watch out for sunburn
Pets with short hair and those with pink skin or white hair are most likely to burn. Limit your pet’s time in the sun and help it find shade.
Find a cool spot
Keep air circulating indoors for pets: use a fan or air conditioning. Provide shade for pets when outdoors. A gentle sprinkle from a garden hose also helps keep them cool.
Watch how much pets eat and exercise
Eating too much in hot weather can lead to overheating, so feed your pet less. Also avoid exercise or vigorous activity with your pet during the hottest part of the day.
Never leave your pet in a parked car
If it is 30°C outside, the temperature in a parked car can reach 50°C in minutes—even with a slightly opened window or if the car is parked in the shade.
Watch for signs of heatstroke
Signs include:
- rapid panting
- lots of drooling
- twitching muscles
- a dazed look
- vomiting
- hot skin
If your pet has any of these signs, act quickly. Cool down your pet by:
- wrapping your pet in a towel soaked with cool (not cold) water;
- or placing your pet in a bathtub with cool water;
- or pour cool water over your pet.
Consult your veterinarian if you think your pet has heatstroke.
For more information
To learn more about the risk of heat stroke in pets, contact us at 705.522.9200 or toll-free at 1.866.522.9200.
This item was last modified on June 24, 2015