1 Dogs, cats and most other furry animals don’t sweat to regulate their body temperature (100.4̊ F – 102.5̊̊F).
(Deuce and Cleo lounging, Hillsdale, New Jersey)
2 Dogs pant to exchange cooler outside air with the warm humid air in their lungs.
3 Cats don’t usually pant until they are overwhelmed and overcome by the heat.
(Photo of Max and Sami hangin' out, by Blondie)
4 If the outside air isn’t cooler than their body temperature, an animal can succumb to Heatstroke.
5 Old and overweight pets as well as short-nosed breeds are at the greatest risk.
(Oscar and Stewie, Rochester, New York)
6 An air-conditioned house is safest for your furry friend...
7 ...but the next best thing is a well-ventilated/insulated doghouse or a shaded porch with a fan or misting system.
Johnny G. and....
8 Provide fresh water throughout the day.
(Photo by Paul Morse)
9 and make sure that outside bowls remain in the shade even when the sun moves in the late afternoon.
Photo by HelenMB
10 Outside food bowls should be placed in a pan containing a few inches of water to keep ants out.
11 Cot-style beds like the one above allow air to circulate around an animal and keeps them from direct contact with hot cement.
Beds that cool dogs down are also available.
12 Also remember… Hot concrete & asphalt can burn precious paws! If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws.
13 Walk your pets during the cool parts of the day
and stick to the grass.
14 Dog shoes are great on hot surfaces for short periods of time, but since heat is expelled from the pads of the feet, you dog is likely to overheat if his paws are covered for long periods on hot days.
15 And NEVER leave an animal unattended in a car- even if windows are cracked and it's only for a few minutes.
16 And if you see an animal of any kind in a car, be sure to locate an owner, alert them of the dangers or get help if the animal is in need of it.
17 Do not assume all will be ok- you can simply stay nearby and watch until someone gets to the car if you prefer this approach. But be sure the animal is ultimately safe.
18 Many people are not aware of how hot a car can get in very little time-and that cracking the windows is not a guaranteed safeguard.
19 It can be useful to educate others about the dangers of heat- but best to do so in a non-confrontational, non- accusatory manner.
20 Assume the car owner wants the best for his/her pet and did not intend to do harm. Then you can explain things as one fellow animal lover to another.
(Kelly Backes and rescued Marty)
21 Always remember to provide your fur kids with access to lots of fresh water.
(Walter and Mojito of Pennsylvania)
22 Dogs need access to drinking water for safety but many of them also love to frolic in it as part of their summer fun!
Splish Splash!
