07/03/2026
It is gonna be hot today!
Please remember that YOU need to keep your pet safe today.
Make sure all your pets, large and small, have access to water and shade today.
Horses can sweat but need a lot of water today but dogs and cats.... they expel heat by panting. The only sweat glands are on their toes!
-when the air temperature is high or there is high humidity, it's hard to pant and get rid of your body heat.
-if you have a smooshed face... it is hard to pant to get rid of your body heat.
-if you have any pulmonary or air way disease, it's hard to pant to get rid of your body heat ( laryngeal paralysis)
-hot pavement can burn paw pads! Make sure to check with your hand, if you can't comfortably place your hand on the pavement.... it will burn your pet.
Your dog will not stop chasing a ball because of the heat.
Your dog will not stop running with YOU because of the heat.
What does heatstroke look like?
-weakness, staggering
-lethargy, collapse
-panting excessively, large tongue
If you think your pet is getting over heated:
-put them in a cool area
-shade with cool water
-a fan can be directed at them
-place in AC ( not a hot care waiting to be cooled with AC, somewhere already cool)
If you suspect heatstroke:
-do not put ice or alcohol to cool them: this leads to constriction or spasm of the blood vessels on the extremeties of the bodies and leads to heat being HELD in the body.
- place room temperature water on them using a wet towel
-if your dog or cat has a heavy hair coat, the water can trap the heat so rinse often or replace wet towel
-cooling them too quickly can cause lots of organ and metabolic damage as well.
-seek immediate medical attention.
**Please be mindful today to avoid exercising them in the heat of the day.**
It doesn't take much to cause heat stroke in a compromised dog:
-smooshed face
-laryngeal paralysis
-heavy hair coat
-respiratory disease
** please be extra mindful of pets with these conditions today**
