With the unseasonably hot temperatures we are experiencing at the end of May (“hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk”), I thought I would remind every one of the dangers of the heat for our pet species.
Dog can’t sweat, except their foot pads. They can only cool themselves by panting, direct contact with a cool surface, or getting wet. They can get heat stroke on walks or playing at dog parks, so only play outside early in the morning or late at night. Burned footpads can really happen on a sidewalk. Would you walk on it barefoot? And use extreme caution with smushy face breeds, like Pekinese, Pugs, and Bull dogs.
Some heat prevention tips: Extra water, water with ice cubes, fans, baby pools, sprinklers, don’t leave in cars, and brush out undercoats.
Cats can heat stroke too, but they seem to smarter. I have only treated cats with heat stroke from being locked in a garage (by accident), or dryer kitties. A panting cat is really overheated or has heart and lung problems.
Tip for heat prevention in cats are similar to dogs: Lots of ways to drink ( ice cubes, drippy faucets), fans, brush out undercoat, and extreme caution with smushy face breeds like Persians
Pet birds are only going to get heat stressed if the AC fails. But a fan blowing on them helps if you see them holding their wings out from their bodies.
Outside bunnies can get heat stressed easily. Keep them in the shade, with a fan, and place frozen plastic water bottles in their hutch.
Even pet cold blooded reptiles have trouble > 100. Don’t put your snake or turtle outside in the sun.
Be smart & stay inside with the AC on.
https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/heat-wave-safety-dog/
