Extremely hot weather and heatwaves don't just affect humans, heat can also impact the health of pets. Here are some important tips to ensure the well-being of your companions during hot weather.
Beware of the Asphalt
On hot, sunny days, asphalt and sidewalks can reach temperatures above ambient temperature and become literally scalding hot.The heat of the ground can thus cause injuries to the paws of our animal friends.
Before going for a walk with your dog, assess the heat of the asphalt by applying the 5-second rule:
- Place the back of your hand on the ground.
- If you can't hold it for 5 seconds, the ground is too hot for your pet's feet.
- If you can hold it for 5 seconds or more, the ground temperature is suitable for walking your dog.
Avoid Heatstroke (and know how to recognize it)
Unlike humans, animals have virtually no sweat glands and cannot sweat to regulate their body temperature. Instead, they release heat through their legs or breathing. Unfortunately, in periods of intense heat, this is sometimes insufficient.
Heat stroke occurs after exposure to extreme heat (e.g., in a car with poor ventilation or in a place without access to shade or water) or after prolonged, intense exercise.
Heatstroke in animals can be recognized by the following signs:
- Panting (faster breathing)
- Very hot body
- Change in gum color
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Tremors
- Lethargy (loss of balance, weakness, etc.)
- Unusual movements
- Loss of consciousness
It is important not to take heatstroke lightly, as it can be dangerous for your pet and even lead to death.
If your faithful companion shows signs of heatstroke, avoid cooling him down too quickly with very cold water or ice as this could cause shock and further harm his condition. The key is instead to cool him down gradually with cold compresses or by taking him to a cooler place, for example. If in doubt or if your companion's condition does not improve, contact your veterinary team.
Don't Leave Your Companion in the Car
According to data from the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec, in 2016, a third of its member veterinarians treated and examined nearly 800 dogs for heatstroke that occurred after being left in a car.
On hot summer days, it only takes a few minutes for the interior of a car to turn into an oven. Even in the shade or outside of heatwaves, it is not recommended to leave an animal in the car.
For the sake of your faithful companion, never leave him in the car!
Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Make sure your four-legged friend always has access to fresh, clean water. Ideally, you should change it at least once a day. This is true all year round, but is especially essential in hot weather.
Cats, due to their desert origins, are known to be small water drinkers. So don’t hesitate to apply one of our six tips to encourage kitty to drink more water.
Are you worried about the effects of hot weather on your companion? Do not hesitate to discuss this with one of our veterinarians!