• Always provide fresh, clean water.
  • Take walks early or late in the day and check the pavement temperature—if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog!
  • Keep your pet current on heartworm, and flea/tick prevention. These critters love this hot weather too!
  • Never leave your dog in a hot car. Temperatures can reach 100 degrees inside of a car on a 75-degree day in 10 minutes!

 

  • Know the signs of heatstroke:
    • Panting or salivating excessively
    • Weakness
    • Staggering or disoriented
    • Vomiting
    • Deep red or purple gums
    • Dry, sticky gums
    • Glazed eyes
    • Rapid pulse
  • Pets with short snouts, black pets, young, and old pets are more susceptible to heatstroke.
  • Exercising in the heat, being in the yard without access to shade or water, and even poor ventilation inside without air conditioning can contribute to heatstroke.
  • If you are concerned your pet has signs of heatstroke:
    • Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian
    • Move your pet to a cooler area
    • AVOID rapidly cooling your pet
    • Apply cool (not cold!) water to the head, armpits, feet, and belly. If using cool, wet cloths continually replace them as they will start to retain heat.