Pets and Heat

Pets ideally want shade and water.  Without shade and water pets can overheat, become ill and die within a short time.

Tips to keep pets cool:

1.  Watch for Signs of Heat Stroke

Signs	First Aid
Rapid panting Lots of drooling Hot skin Twitching muscles Vomiting and dazed look	Wrap in towel soaked with cool water, or Place in a bathtub with cool water, or Pour cool water over the pet, or Put ice-packs on the animal’s head Call your veterinarian if you think your pet has heat stroke

2.  Provide plenty of fresh water.  Dogs sweat by panting and through the pads of their feet.  Water loss from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose by panting helps lower their body temperature.  Pets need fresh water at home and outdoors.

3.  Sensitive paws burn easily on hot pavements and at beaches.

4.  Watch out for sunburn.  Water, sand and rock at the beach reflect sunlight.  This is a source of sunburn for your pet.  Short hair pets and those with pink skin or white hair are more susceptible to burning. 

5.  Limit time in the sun and provide shade.

6.  Keep air circulating indoors for pets by using a fan or an air conditioner.  Providing a cool shady spot can be essential for your pet.  Using a gentle sprinkle from a garden hose is also helpful.

7.  Watch eating and exercise habits.  Give your pet less food during extremely hot weather. Over-eating during hot weather can lead to over heating.  Avoid exercise or vigorous activity during the hottest part of the day (in Canada from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

8.  Never leave your pet in a parked car.  When the temperature outside reaches 30 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a car can reach 50 degrees Celsius within minutes – even with the window open slightly or parked in the shade.  This is extremely dangerous to your pet.  Although your pet may want to come with you, it is much kinder to leave it at home with plenty of fresh cool water and shade.

Source:  City of Toronto, Public Health.