During a heatwave, it is important to pay special attention to your pets to make sure they are not in distress. Here are a few safety tips to help.
Exercise is out. Even if you have an active pet who gets exercise every day and is healthy. Scale back their activities, change the times to early morning or evening when it is a bit cooler.
Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle, even for a “second” while you run in the store. Even if it is a beautiful cool day.
Cool your pets by giving them a ‘cool’ bath or shower to bring their body temperature down. A cool towel on a tile floor to lay on, or a cool towel on them, while they lay in front of a fan, can be life-changing for your poor pet who can’t take off their fur coats.
Make sure they have constant availability to cool, clean water.
Do not leave them tied up outside! Bring them in or make sure they have plenty of shade and water.
Signs of pet heatstroke are rapid panting, wide, dazed eyes, lots of drooling, hot skin, twitching muscles, and vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
