Take Care of Pets During High Temperatures: Here’s How to Protect Them
We’re convinced that summer is the favorite season for many of us. The vacation season is slowly beginning, holidays and seaside trips are approaching, and we finally have more time to spend with our four-legged friends.
However, while we can easily cool off with air conditioning and a favorite iced drink, pets don’t find high temperatures pleasant at all. They need our help to stay cool. Here are a few tips on how to protect your pets from the heat:
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Let’s start with what we believe is the most important point: fresh water is essential year-round, especially during the hot summer. If pets don’t drink enough water, they are more at risk of dehydration and heat stroke, which can also affect their internal organs.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans; they cool themselves through panting. During this process, they lose body fluids, so it’s important that fresh water is always nearby to keep their mouth and nose moist. Refill their water bowl every morning and replace it in the afternoon (or evening).
Cats are known for not drinking enough water, so you can trick them by getting a small fountain with running water, which mimics a stream. Alternatively, place several glasses of water around your home—cats are more likely to drink “your” water out of curiosity. If you have a pet bird, you can also offer a fresh bowl of water for bathing, which helps them cool off.
Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature
It’s rare to find a house or apartment these days without an air conditioner or fan. If possible, keep your pets in air-conditioned rooms even when you’re not home—but avoid direct exposure to cold air and extremely low temperatures. If air conditioning is not an option, do your best to keep the rooms your pets stay in well-ventilated and comfortably cool. If the temperature drops in the evening, try keeping windows open after sunset to create a draft.
Cooling mats filled with special gel are now available for purchase; place them on the floor so your pet can lie down and cool off. In addition to mats, there are cooling bandanas and vests, cooling water bowls, and chew toys that can be filled with water and frozen. A simple fan with a damp towel cooled in the fridge placed in front of it is a great DIY option if you don’t have or want to use air conditioning often.
Be Cautious Outdoors
We understand it’s more pleasant to stay inside where it’s cool, but pets—especially dogs—need regular walks. One solution is to walk your dog early in the morning while it’s still relatively cool, or late in the evening when temperatures drop. If that’s not always possible, try walking them in shaded areas and on grass rather than hot pavement.
If you have a yard where your pets stay, it’s a good idea to create some shade for them. You can do this by placing a large umbrella outside or stretching a sheet over part of the terrace. A bowl of fresh water is a must, and you can also place a wet towel over your pet to help cool them down.
Don’t Leave Pets in the Car
When temperatures are high, never leave your pet in a parked car. Avoid situations where your pet remains in the vehicle, even if you're stepping out for a quick errand. Always keep a spare bowl and a bottle of fresh water in the car.
Brush Long-Haired Pets
Long-haired pets often have thick fur that helps retain warmth in winter but becomes a major obstacle when it’s hot. Long and dense hair prevents proper cooling and airflow to the skin. Regular brushing helps by removing dead and tangled fur and improving airflow through the coat. Better air circulation helps regulate body temperature.
Heat Stroke in Dogs: How to Recognize and React
Overheating in pets during summer is unfortunately common. Despite your efforts to keep them cool, always watch for signs of heat stroke. If your pet seems lethargic, breathes rapidly, drools excessively, or collapses—seek veterinary help immediately.
One Last Tip
Whenever possible, leave at least one bowl of water outside, in the street or in front of your yard, for stray animals. Let’s not forget about them – writes petspot.rs.
