Protect your pets from the summer heat

When the temperatures start to soar, extra precautions should be taken to ensure our furry friends are comfortable and safe. Here are some tips for doing just that this summer season:

1. Make water accessible

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure plenty of fresh, clean water is readily accessible when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Additionally, when pets are outside it’s imperative they have access to cool, shady areas.

2. Prevent pavement burns

Extreme heat translates to even hotter asphalt. To that end, aim for walking earlier in the day before the pavement heats up or later in the day after the pavement cools to prevent foot burns. Another alternative is to walk on grass or soil. When the weather is especially hot and humid, keep walks to a minimum or avoid them altogether.

3. Know symptoms of overheating in pets

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, symptoms can include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Breeds most at risk for overheating include young, overweight or elderly animals, as well as those with short muzzles or thick or dark-colored coats, according to the ASPCA.

4. Don’t leave pets in parked vehicles

A vehicle can overheat even when the window has been left cracked an inch or two, according to the ASPCA. This can lead to fatal heatstroke. Additionally, many states have laws which prohibit leaving animals unattended in motor vehicles during dangerous conditions.

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