How You Can Protect Your Pets From Extreme Heat
Florida is in the middle of its hottest year in modern history, and there’s no relief on the horizon. Even in a state well-known for its warm weather, this current onslaught of heat and humidity is staggering for people and their pets. So we thought we would share some tips to help protect your pet from the extreme heat.
Day in and day out, new records for heat and humidity are being set, especially in the central and southern parts of the state. Additional heat records are predicted across South Florida over the weekend.
So far this year, temperatures have averaged 3-5 degrees above normal in Florida, due in part to coverage of a widespread heat dome over the sunshine state that has produced heat indexes, which factor in humidity, of 100 to 110 degrees and higher. Source. Under these extreme conditions, your pets need special attention.
Here are some tips to protect your pet from extreme heat:
- Never leave pets in a parked car: On an 85-degree day, with the windows cracked a bit, the interior temperature will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and 120 degrees after a half hour.
- Be aware of the effect of humidity on your pet: IF the humidity is too high, its harder for your pet to pant, which is how they stay cool. Move them inside.
- Limit outdoor exercise: Limit outdoor exercise to early morning or evening hours, when the sun is not as intense and temperatures are slightly lower.
- Don’t rely on a fan: They just don’t cool off pets as well as they do people.
- Keep your pet cool: Ample shade and water are essential if pet is outside. Fresh water. Cool water. Dog houses don’t help. They make things worse because they trap the heat. You can keep your pet from overheating with a cooling body wrap, vest or mat. If you pet doesn’t mind a bath, a cool soak is always a good idea
- Get your pet to a vet if there are signs of heatstroke: Heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, deep red or purple tongue are all signs of heatstroke.
- Higher risk: Animals that are very old, very young, overweight or not accustomed to exercise are at higher risk for heat stroke.
- Flat faces: Be aware that pets with flat faces – like boxers, pugs, or Persian cats – will have a much tougher time breathing in extreme heat.
[Source: Humane Society of Tampa Bay]
