Dogs and cats must be protected from the sun and heat even more than their owners. Both cats and dogs can
suffer from heat stroke if they are kept in an unventilated home or car. Animals in hot weather are susceptible to sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, all of which
may lead to serious medical problems.
The following few steps will help you make the summer
a safer and healthier time for your pets:
Never leave a cat or dog in a car unattended. Interior car temperatures will rise dangerously high in a matter of minutes.
If you are outside with your pet, always supply cool water. In really hot weather or high humidity, discourage your pet from excessive exercise, such as running.
In very humid weather never leave your pet outside.
Leave your pet indoors in an area with good ventilation (ie. fans) and lots of fresh cool water.
If it is extremely humid in your home you might wish to sponge down your dog or cat with cool water before you leave for the day. This will help them to remain cool for a while after you leave.
Limit the time your cat or dog spends in the sun, especially light-haired animals with little fur coverage.
Try not to let your pet outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
You may wish to apply strong sunscreen to sun prone areas on your pet like the top of the nose, ear tips and belly. Be sure to check with your vet before applying any sunscreen to your pet.
Avoid shaving your dog too close to the skin during the summer months as you are exposing its skin to the perils of sunburn.
