Beat the Heat | Important Summer Pet Tips

Houston summers are among the hottest in the country — and that means our pets need extra protection from the heat. As a veterinary team in the heart of Houston, we see heat-related illness in pets every single summer. While summer is a great time for outdoor activities for both you and your pet pals, it may also be dangerous for their health. As temperatures increase, it's crucial to keep your dogs safe and at ease. This article will help you take the necessary precautions to keep your dogs happy and healthy all summer long.

• Core Summer Safety Guidelines

  1. Provide Ample Shade and Avoid the Hottest Hours

  Your pet's comfort when outdoors should be one of your top priorities. A covered spot where your pet can escape the heat should always be readily available. It's crucial to avoid taking dogs and cats for walks during the hottest parts of the day since they can easily become overheated. Choose to go for a stroll in the morning or the evening when it is cooler outside and the pavement is less hot.

  2. Stay Hydrated

  Pets need to stay hydrated in the heat just like people do. Make sure to provide your pets clean, fresh water when they are playing outside. To keep their water bowl chilly, you may even add a few ice cubes. As pets are more sensitive to high temperatures than people, keep in mind that if you start to feel exhausted from the heat, your pets probably feel the same way.

  3. Never Leave Pets in a Hot Car

  Never, not even for a few minutes, leave your pets in a parked car in hot weather. This cannot be emphasized enough. Heatstroke and even death can result from the quickly rising temperature inside a car. It's preferable to keep your pets at home in a cool, comfortable area if you need to conduct errands.

  4. Preparing for Noise Phobias

  If your pet is afraid of loud noises, you must plan ahead as summer approaches, especially for occasions like the July 4th fireworks. Ask your doctor for advice on how to get your pet ready for any potential discomfort. They can offer advice and sometimes even suggest treatments or medications to assist your pet deal with the stress of loud noises.

  5. Signs of Heat Stroke

  It's critical to watch out for your pet's symptoms of heat stroke. Excessive panting, a drunken pace or walk, an irregular heartbeat, red or pale tongue and gums, weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of these symptoms. If you spot any of these signs, immediately give your pet a bath in room temperature water or wrap them in damp towels and take them to the vet right away. Quick action is necessary because heat stroke can be fatal. If you suspect heat stroke, do not wait — call us immediately at (832) 662-2956 or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital. Heat stroke can be fatal within minutes.

• Summer Essentials

  1. Protective Booties

  Your pet may experience discomfort or even pain when walking on hot pavement because of scorched paws. If you can't hold your hand there for longer than 5 to 10 seconds, the pavement is too hot for your pet's paws. Their feet can be shielded from the heat and enjoyed more during outdoor activities with the help of protective booties.

  2. Portable Water Bowl

  On hot days, a foldable water bowl is a useful accessory for walks with your pet. To avoid dehydration while on an outdoor activity, access to fresh water must be guaranteed. Water fountains are common in public places like parks, however having a portable bowl is more practical.

  3. Water Bottle with Filter

  When you're out and about, bring a water bottle just for your pet. Even from unreliable sources, your pet will have access to clean and safe drinking water thanks to some bottles' built-in filters.

  4. Pet-Friendly Sunscreen

  Dogs can burn in the sun, especially those with light-colored or short hair. To protect exposed parts like noses, ears, and belly, use pet-friendly sunscreen. Find the best sunscreen for your pet's needs by speaking with your veterinarian.

  5. Flea and Heartworm Preventatives

  Pets may come into contact with parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes when they spend more time outside. A prescription-only flea and heartworm prophylactic should be given to your pet. Remember that mosquitoes transmit the disease that causes heartworms, therefore you must take precautions. Heartworm disease is especially prevalent in Houston due to our warm, humid climate and year-round mosquito season. Don't skip this one — prevention is far easier and less expensive than treatment. Ask our team at your next wellness visit.

• Grooming Tips for Summer

  1. Don't Rush to Shave

  It's a common misconception among pet owners that shaving a pet's coat can help it stay cooler in the summer. Naturally, dogs shed their winter coats in order to prepare for the summer. Let your pet's coat perform its job of controlling their body temperature rather than shaving. In fact, shaving may increase their vulnerability to bug bites and sunburn.

  2. Maintain Their Coat

  During the summer, regular brushing and grooming are necessary. Maintaining your pet's coat properly enables it to perform as intended, keeping them cozy and cool. Additionally, brushing eliminates loose fur and avoids matting.

  3. Coat Protection Against Sunburn

  Some animals are more prone to sunburn, especially those with thin or light-colored fur. If your pet fits this description, you might think about applying pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas to shield their skin from the sun's damaging UV rays.

  4. Summer Cuts

  If you still feel that your pet needs a trim, use a "summer cut" rather than a full shave. Be careful not to trim too near to the skin because a longer coat helps to regulate body temperature and prevent sunburn. Our professional grooming team at CAWLM offers summer cuts, de-shedding treatments, and coat care that keeps your pet comfortable through the Houston heat — without compromising the natural protection their coat provides.

You can make sure your animal friends have a safe summer by using these pet care suggestions. You can battle the heat together and make the most of your summertime excursions by taking the appropriate safety measures and being aware of the risks associated with hot weather. Keep in mind that your pet's health and happiness are key priorities, and by taking the required precautions, you can keep them in good health and spirits throughout the summer.

by Dr. Aziza Glass