How to Protect Your Pet from the Heat This Summer

Summer can be a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh air with your furry friend. Clifton summers can get very hot, and it's important to be aware of the risks a heatwave can pose to your pet's health. Keep your pet cool and safe this summer with these tips from our veterinary team at Valley Animal Hospital.

Heatstroke: A Summertime Health Hazard for Pets

If your cat or dog gets too hot, they may develop heatstroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Warning signs of heatstroke in pets include the following symptoms:

• Glazed eyes

• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing

• Extreme thirst

• Vomiting

• Lethargy 

• Seizures

• Unconsciousness

Kittens, puppies, and senior pets are most vulnerable to heatstroke when the temperatures rise. Overweight pets are even more susceptible overheating. Dogs and cats with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, also have a harder time regulating their body temperature in hot weather.

How to Keep Your Pet Cool in the Summer Heat

Here are a few ways you can protect your pet from heatstroke this summer:

• Provide your pet plenty of clean, cool water.

• Never leave your pet inside a parked car for any length of time.

• Keep your pet inside the house during the hottest part of the day.

• Avoid walking your dog on asphalt surfaces.

• Be sure that your pets have a shady spot to rest when they're outside.

• Keep an eye on the humidity level. Pets are more likely to get heatstroke on humid days. 

If you think your pet has heatstroke, bring him to an air-conditioned area ASAP. Use cool water or ice packs wrapped in towels to cool your pet down until you can get to a veterinarian.

Call a Clifton Veterinarian Immediately if You Think Your Pet Has Heatstroke

A prompt trip to the veterinary hospital can be life-saving for a cat or dog with heatstroke. Don't delay. Bring your pet to Valley Animal Hospital in Clifton if you think he may have overheated this summer.