Hot Weather Pet Safety

It appears that summer has arrived quite early this year. During these extra hot days, special attention is required to keep our pets cool and comfortable. Breeds with short noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers require extra care as they are more susceptible to over-heating very quickly. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and it happens really fast.

Please keep exercise routines short on hot days. Visit shady parks when possible and check regularly for signs of overheating. Dogs pant and sweat through their feet to cool their body temperature. Watch for signs of discomfort such as heavy panting, laying down, and seeking cool dirt. Pack lots of fresh water, a wet towel, and ice packs for car trips and long walks. Stick to air-conditioned locations whenever possible and leave your pets at home in extreme heat days. DO NOT leave pets in the car even if you leave the air conditioning running. You just never know if the car engine might stall while you are away. If you need to bring cats in to see us, place a wet towel over the carrier roof or an ice pack underneath a towel inside. Be sure to leave them plenty of airflow at the front and back of the kennel, Call us if you have any concerns or questions about the heat. We’re here to help.

Written by Annex Animal Hospital