Fun in the sun can come with a cost.
Managing the hot summer weather is much easier for us humans than it is for our furry friends. We can shed layers of clothes, control the air conditioner, and most importantly we can say something when it is too hot.
Our pets can overheat after being outside, and even inside if they aren’t able to stay cool. They may be suffering in silence if we do not look out for them. Keep your pet from overheating by staying aware of the symptoms and making sure they are comfortable this summer season!
There are things you can do to prevent overheating in your pets or cool them down when they are already over heated. Here are a few tips that could save your pets this summer:
Signs your dog or cat is overheating:
Noticing the signs of overheating is crucial to preventing heat stroke in your pet, so here are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for in your pets on a hot day.
Panting
A dog panting is normal. Dogs do it to get more oxygen into their body. But when should you be concerned? If their tongue is sideways while panting, they are really trying to cool down and increase the amount of oxygen that goes into their body so excessive panting is something to look out for.
A cat panting is not normal. Cats can pant when they are stressed but more often than not they pant when they are trying to cool down. If your cat is panting chances are they are already overheated and you must get them cool as soon as possible.
Lethargy
Both cats and dogs can become lethargic when they are overheated or dehydrated. Watch for wobbly walking or slow response time.
Vomiting
If your pet is vomiting after being exposed to the heat on a particularly hot day, they could be overheated.
Gum Color
The color of their gums can indicate signs of heat stroke or dehydration. Bright red or blue gums could be something to worry about.
If your pets are displaying these symptoms and you suspect they are experiencing heat stroke, take them to an emergency pet hospital as soon as possible. Our pets have a hard time bringing their body temperatures down once they are already overheated so it is imperative that we help them out ASAP!
Cool Down With Water
The most obvious thing we can do to prevent or help with overheating is always keep their water bowls clean and full. However there is more that can be done to aid our pets as much as possible in the heat.
Dogs sweat through glands on their paws. You can target their paws with water to help bring down their temperature. Sprinkle cool water on their paws or put them in a shallow pool of cool water. Cats may not enjoy this method as water will be directly on their bodies so a way to bring down their body temperature is to wet a towel with cool water and place the damp cloth on their back. Make sure to change the towel when it is no longer cool as the moisture in between their skin and the towel can lead to more heat.
An important point to remember with any of these methods involving water is to never use icy or cold water on your pets. The sudden temperature change can lead to shock and result in more damage.
Keep them Cool at Home
On hot days at home, accommodate the spaces your pets occupy.
Personal Fan
Keep the air condition on at home or provide a fan in your pet’s resting areas. A small desktop fan near their beds can be a great way to provide them with cool air.
Cooling Mats
Adding a cooling mat under their bed or under a blanket on those extra hot days could earn you appreciation from your pets. Remember to never give them a cooling mat or ice pack uncovered.
Brush Out Their Undercoat
Consistent brushing is a must year round but during the summer, brushing out your pet's shedding undercoat will help them from over heating.
Cool Treat Recipes
Giving frozen treats to your pets is a fun and easy way to keep them cool!
Freezing pet friendly fruits and veggies that have been puréed like watermelon, pumpkin, bananas, and blueberries is so simple and guaranteed to leave your pets happy. Goat’s milk, and bone broth will also make for a great one ingredient frozen treat.
Or you can spice things up by adding more ingredients. There are endless possibilities of frozen treat recipes you can make for your dog or cat, but here are a few!
1. Blueberry Yogurt Frozen Treat
Blueberries and yogurt make for a delicious treat containing probiotics from the yogurt and fiber and antioxidants from the blueberries. Greek yogurt is preferred but always check that there are no additional ingredients in the yogurt you choose. Both cats and dogs can enjoy this treat!
To fill about one ice cube mold you’ll need:
- 1 cup of plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup of blueberries
Simply combine or mash the blueberries into the plain yogurt and freeze for 30 minutes or until set.
2. Watermelon Yogurt Frozen Treat
You can substitute the recipe above with any pet safe fruit of your choice but watermelon is a summer favorite for humans and pets. Watermelon will hydrate your cat or dog while providing them with potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C.
3. Frozen Peanut Butter and Bananas
Plain peanut butter contains healthy fats, protein, and vitamins B and E, making it a great treat for your dog. Check your jar for Xylitol, and added salts or sugars before purchasing. Since peanut butter adds no nutritional value for cats, this treat is for doggies only!
To fill about one ice mold you’ll need:
- 2 bananas
-
¼ cup peanut butter
Blend peanut butter and bananas together before pouring into your mold and freezing for 30 minutes or until set.
4. Frozen Treat Sticks
For our feline friends, they may be less enthusiastic about these fruity treats than dogs are as they are carnivores. So, simply freezing their treat sticks is a great way to give them a cold snack and they will love it.
To pet parents and your pets, take care this summer and stay cool!
