4 Tips to Keep Your Pet Cool & Safe in This Heat
Doggone, it’s summer! If the desert heat is making you pant, you’re not alone. Pets have a “ruff” time staying cool, too—and your furry friend is counting on you to help beat the heat.
It’s important that you familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heat stroke: heavy panting, lethargy, diarrhea, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, red gums and tongues, vomiting, a rapid pulse and an internal temperature over 104 degrees.
If your pet displays any of these signs, bring them to a cool area and contact your vet or an animal hospital immediately! Quick action could save your pet’s life.
Here are four tips that will make the dog days of summer a breeze:
1. Ensure Your Pet Always Has Access to a Cool Area
Don’t rely solely on a fan to keep your home cool. Dogs, cats and many other pets respond differently to heat than humans. Even though a fan might keep you cool, it’s not as effective for your pet. The best way to protect your furry friend from the heat is to air condition your home. Whether you need to install a new air conditioner or are in need of an air conditioning replacement in Indio, CA, the Timo’s team is here to help.
When your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade. Kiddie pools, air-conditioned doghouses and doggie ice cream or cold treats are great ways to keep pets cool, too.
2. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Like humans, water accounts for more than 60 percent of dogs’ and cats’ body masses. If they lose 10 percent of their body’s water, they can become extremely ill. So, it’s important to keep your pet hydrated. Make sure there is always fresh, cold water available—both while they’re inside and outside.
3. Never Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car
If you’re going to run errands, don’t bring your pet with you and leave them in the car. Even if it’s just for a “few” minutes, leaving your pet in the car is extremely dangerous.
Instead of sweating like humans, dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws. Stuffy cars and hot upholstery can hinder your dog’s cool down process. In as little as 15 minutes, a dog’s body temperature can climb from normal to deadly levels.
4. Be Smart With Walks
There’s no denying dogs love to go for a “w-a-l-k.” But, before you embark on a summer walk, we spelled out some important things to remember:
- Watch out for hot surfaces as it can burn your pet’s paws.
- Avoid walks and playtime during the heat of the day.
- Limit walks to the cool of the morning or at dusk.
- Keep a portable water bowl to prevent dehydration.
Hot surfaces include pavement, asphalt, metal, concrete and even sand. If the surface is too hot for your bare hand or foot, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.
Take Command of Your Pet’s Safety & Contact Timo’s Today!
California’s hot temperatures are already here. If you’re in need a new cooling system or an air conditioning repair in Rancho Mirage, CA, don’t delay. Fill out our online form or call us at 760.475.9542 to schedule your AC service with Timo’s today!
