Summer may be halfway over, but Austin residents know that doesn’t mean much. The heat will stay with us for weeks to come, and keeping ourselves and our pets safe are top priorities as the high temps linger (and linger and linger).
Whether you love summer or not, our pet heat safety tips are sure to help you and your pet beat the heat!
Why Worry?
Our pets are much less efficient at releasing built up heat from their bodies. This means heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration and heat stroke, can sneak up on them quickly. It’s up to pet owners to monitor their pet’s exposure to heat and take the necessary precautions to protect them.
Although any pet can overheat, senior pets, very young pets, and brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, Pekingese, bulldogs, Persian cats) are at an increased risk. These pets should be kept out of the heat as much as possible and monitored closely during warm weather.
Pet Heat Safety
Leaving pets inside parked vehicles is the number one cause of heat-related pet deaths. The temperature inside a parked car can climb to deadly levels within minutes, even if the car is parked in the shade and has the windows cracked. If you can’t be with your pet at all times, it’s best to simply leave them at home.
Other ways to protect your pet from the devastating effects of heat stroke and dehydration include:
- Providing unlimited access to shade and fresh, cool water
- Restricting outdoor physical activity to early morning and evening hours
- Brushing your pet regularly to remove loose fur and increase airflow to the skin
- Keeping your pet indoors on the hottest days (turn on the air conditioning or use fans)
Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Pet heat safety doesn’t have to be all work and no play! Fill up a kiddie pool or turn on the sprinklers and let your pet have a blast while keeping cool at the same time. Freeze low-sodium beef or chicken broth in ice cube trays and you have an instant, pet-friendly frozen treat for post-play breaks.
If you have any questions about pet heat safety, please contact the team at BEEVET. We hope you and your pet have a great rest of summer!
