We’re right in the middle of summer, which means it’s the time of year when heat and storms can affect our pets.
Most people know that it’s not okay to leave an animal in a hot car or let your dog outside during a thunderstorm, but we have some other tips to avoid weather-related issues.
- Plan walks accordingly. If you know the weather is coming, get exercise around it. Early morning and late in the evening are cooler. Going before a storm can help keep your pet calm by expending their extra energy.
- Limit exposure. Ensure your pet has a safe place, in the shade. Avoid car trips where your animal would be left inside for any amount of time. Just a few minutes inside a car in 30 degree heat can cause severe harm. When possible provide a quiet area for your pet as noise from a storm can cause distress.
- Keep necessities nearby. Try to have cool water for them wherever you go. You may also want a portable dog bowl. In the heat, they’ll need to keep hydrated. In storms, they may not leave a safe spot to search for it.
- Check-in with yourself. Animals are a lot more like us than we think. They can feel our stress and the heat as much as we can (if not more). Keep calm during storms and remember that if the pavement is too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
- Learn what to do in distress. If your pet is agitated by storms, it may be worth asking your vet about different coping techniques. Vets can recommend medications and natural remedies for pets if appropriate. If your pet is experiencing heat stroke, there are steps you should take:
- Move the animal to a shaded and cool area.
- Pour cool water over them (not cold as it can cause shock, 15-16 degrees is best).
- Placing a cool, wet towel under the animal can help, do not place it on top of them as it can trap the heat.
- Allow them to drink small amounts of cool water, but avoid pouring water on or around their faces as they could inhale it.
- Repeat these steps until their breathing settles, but not so long that they begin to shiver.
- If a pet has lost consciousness, it may stop panting despite still being hot; it will require urgent care. Take the pet to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
Of course, the first step is knowing your pet and watching for any changes in their mood. Many animals outwardly show discomfort by pacing, whining, excessively panting, or shaking. Always pay close attention to any changes to their demeanor and don’t hesitate to take them to the vet if you’re concerned.
