How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Heat

Did you know that like humans, animals can suffer from heat stroke too? You love your dogs and cats so you want to be sure that you keep them safe. Here is some information on what high heat can do to your pets and what to do about it. Like we have a normal body temperature of 98.6, dogs and cats have a normal body temperature. For dogs it is 102.5 and for cats it varies between 99.5-102.5. You should never leave your pet in the car, especially on a hot day even if it is only a few minutes. On a 70 degree day, a closed car can get to 104 in a half hour which can put the pet into heat stroke. When it is 95 degrees out the car can reach 129 in a half hour and that will kill your pet. Leaving your animals outside in the heat for prolonged periods of time is not good for them. On high heat days, animals should not be left outside for long because of potential heat stroke that can occur. When your pet is outside on a hot day make sure its for shot periods of time and that they have plenty of shade and water. Dogs that have the short snout like pugs, boston terriers, french bulldogs, ect are not good with the heat, it makes it hard for them to breathe so try and keep them out of the heat as much as you can. Heat stroke can occur in dogs when their body temperature reaches 105 and for cats it is 103. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke here are some things that need to be done and quickly to save your pet. Try and get the animal into shade or an air conditioned room. Have your car started and cooled down so you can put the pet in there. Prepare to take them to the vet. You can pour cool water on them but make sure it isn’t too cold. Place ice packs or cold towels on the pets head, chest, and neck for the ride to the vet. Try and get them to drink a little water and lick ice cubes to help cool them down. Pets are family too so here are some tips to prevent heat stroke in your animals. Make sure the animal always has a lot of shade and clean water. Grooming the pet for the summer is a good idea so the body temperature can stay as close to normal as possible in all environments. Have air conditioning in any outdoor kennels so the dogs can stay cool. Don’t leave your animals outside in the heat. They need to be brought inside. If it is too hot for you outside then it is definitely too hot for the animals. Animals rely on us to keep them safe so do your part in keeping your pet safe and happy. Bartlett Heating and Air can help you with all your HVAC needs so call us today!