4 days ago
Florida's brutal summer heat is already here. 7 tips to protect your pets when going outside
We may be nowhere near the dog days of summer but the season's scorching heat is already here.
According to Old Farmer's Almanac, NOAA and AccuWeather forecasters, Florida is set to face another record-breaking hot summer.
Most of the U.S., including Florida, is expected to be hot and dry this summer. The forecast is for meteorological summer, which is June, July and August. South Florida, though, could see cooler, rainy conditions.
"It's going to be a scorcher of a summer," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.
While we know our own risks when it comes to bracing the sweltering heat, we also need to be aware of our furry-faced residents, who are among the most at-risk for overheating in the over 90-degree climate. It's critical to keep our beloved pets cool during the summer.
Wondering what the signs of heat stroke look like for animals? We got you covered. Here's what to look out for and some tips on how to prevent it in the first place.
If you suspect that your pet is overheated, immediately take them to a cooler area or to the vet. Once in a cool room, separate their fur with your fingers so the cool air can penetrate the skin.
In case of a heatstroke, the RSPCA and PetMD lists these symptoms:
Unusual breathing (rapid and loud)
High rectal temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
Extreme thirst
Weakness and/or fatigue
Frequent vomiting
Disorientation
Dark or bright red tongue and gums
The skin around the muzzle or neck doesn't snap back when pinched (dehydration)
Difficulty breathing
Thick saliva
Rapid heartbeat
Heavy drooling
Agitation
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure to have plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot and humid outdoors.
If your pet is getting overheated, cool your pet down as quickly as possible by pouring cool water over their head and body, gently hose a very gentle stream of cool water over them, or submerge them in a tub of cool water.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests ways to relieve your pet from the heat by having cooling supplies on hand in advance, such as:
Battery-operated fan
Cool clothes made of chamois. If you keep your cool cloth in a cooler, don't put it directly into the ice. You don't want to put anything ice-cold onto a pet, because that shrinks the blood vessels and generates more internal heat.
Cooling vest which deflects the heat and cools the dog through evaporation
Cooling crate pad or a cold, wet towel that you can spread out for your pet to lie on. You can also have them stand on a damp towel to help their paw pads release heat.
Rubbing alcohol which you can dab behind your dog's ears, on their stomach, or on their paws. Rubbing alcohol cools faster than water and can draw out heat.
Spray bottle filled with cool water. Spray the underside of their body that's not exposed to the hot sun (such as the groin area, where the hair is less dense), the bottoms of their feet, and inside their mouth.
Rectal thermometer with lubricant. Your pet's temperature shouldn't rise above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the high end of normal.
Unflavored pediatric electrolyte solution for the dog to drink if they get dehydrated
Not only is this dangerous for pets, but it is illegal in most states. Even on a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to severe levels.
On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.
Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.
If the temperature outside is 85 degrees, asphalt in the sun can easily reach over 140 degrees and burn your pet's paw pads.
Try to limit your pet's outdoor excising, and adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, the American Kennel Club suggests limiting exercise to early morning or evening hours and being especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.
While one might think layers of thick fur might cause a pet to overheat, shaving does the opposite of keeping them cool.
The Humane Society of the United States writes that the layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat
They add to be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
On top of keeping your pets cool at the moment, make sure your pets get their regular check-ups and make sure there are no underlying issues to worry about ahead of the summer. Experts also advise pets to get tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventative medication.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida heat wave: 7 tips to keep pets cool, safe this summer
