Summer is right around the corner, which means bright, sunny days, rising temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities. While many are aware of the dangers the summer heat can bring to humans, not as many are aware of the effects it has on our pets. To prevent your pet from overheating and to keep them safe and cool this summer, take these simple precautions provided by Complete Pet Care, pet hospital in Wake Forest NC. 

• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. For example, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach over 100 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Pets left alone in vehicles could suffer irreversible organ damage or even fatal heatstroke.

• Limit exposure to heat, humidity, and sun. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heatstroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

• Beware of asphalt temperatures. If the air outside is comfortable, you may think there’s no risk that your dog’s paws will get burnt. But the ground can get much hotter than the surrounding air because of how fast it absorbs heat. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Try to walk on grass as much as possible or Complete Pet Care, pet hospital in Wake Forest NC, suggests testing the pavement to see if it is too hot by doing the “seven-second test.”

• Adjust exercise time and intensity. Keep walks during hot days to a minimum. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing. 

• Refrain from shaving your pet. Complete Pet Care, dog grooming in Wake Forest, is the first to understand that shaving a pet’s thick, long, fur seems like the best thing to do during the summer. While we encourage normal grooming and a trim here and there, we strongly recommend never shaving your pet. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

 

Just like humans have to take special care to keep cool during the summer, pet owners should do the same for their furry friends. While it is easy for us to feel when we are overheated or dehydrated, pets can’t communicate with us when they are feeling this way. It is the owner’s responsibility to not only recognize the warning signs of overheating, but also take the correct precautions to avoid any injuries or death. 

Complete Pet Care Pet Hospital in Wake Forest NC

While the summer is for having fun and spending time outdoors, there is a surplus of dangers for pets during this time. Complete Pet Care, pet hospital in Wake Forest NC, wants pet owners and their pets in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and the surrounding areas to have access to the best pet care possible. We have become one of the top animal hospitals in the region by being continually committed to our purpose. Contact Complete Pet Care for your pet’s care whenever you need it — day or night.