As we swelter under the first extreme heat and humidity of the summer, remember that pets suffer more from the heat than we do. It’s very important to protect both dogs and cats from the dangers of high summer temperatures.
Neither dogs or cats can sweat to cool off–they pant, getting rid of the excess heat through their respiratory tract. Short-nosed breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Lhasas, Frenchies and Shih Tzus, and Persian and Himalayan cats are particularly at risk, as their respiratory tracts are somewhat compromised, so they can’t cool down well. It’s important to keep your pet as cool as possible. Keep them in air-conditioning if possible, with access to shade at all times. Give them plenty of clean fresh water all the time, and we can’t say it often enough:
Never Leave Your Pet or Child in a Parked Car. Not “For a Minute”. Not in the Shade. Not with the Windows Open. Never. Temperatures in a Car Can Become Fatal in Minutes.
We’ve written a number of blogs in the past loaded with tips to keep your cats and dogs cool. Now is a great time to reread the blogs below and remind yourself of the ways you can keep your pet cool and comfortable through summer’s many heat waves.
Hot Cars are a Deadly Danger for Pets
