Summer heat can affect your pet just as much as it affects you. The more time your dogs or cats spend in the summer sun, the greater their risk of suffering from heat stroke. The following pet tips from our veterinarian at Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin, TX, can be helpful in protecting your pet from overheating this summer.
Limit Exercise Times to the Coolest Times of the Day
When walking your dogs, take them out in the early morning or evening when temperatures aren’t so high. Avoid going out at noon or soon after. The same goes for outdoor playtime with your kit or pup.
Senior pets and those with respiratory problems or other medical conditions are more susceptible to overheating in hot climates. By keeping these pets in an air conditioned environment as much as possible during summer, you can protect them from heat stroke.
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water all day long. Outdoor pets should have access to shady areas and water to stay hydrated and out of the sun. If you’re leaving for the day, fill up several bowls of water and put them within easy reach so your pup has all the water he needs. It’s also good to bring your outdoor pooch into your air conditioned home occasionally to give him a break from the summer heat.
Don’t Leave Pets in Locked Cars
Avoid leaving your pet in a locked car during summer, even if you’re just “running in and out” of a local store. If you can’t take your pet inside the store with you, leave him at home. Temperatures tend to soar inside a parked vehicle when the windows are up. Leaving your pet in a parked car, even for a short amount of time, could have serious repercussions for his health, including death.
Get Pet Care from a Vet at Our Animal Clinic
If you suspect your dog or cat may be suffering from heat stroke, contact us at Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin, TX, at (512) 339-3177 right away for immediate treatment. We're here to meet all your pet care needs. A vet on our veterinary team is here to help at our animal clinic.