JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hot, humid, stormy, rinse, repeat. Our weather this summer has been fairly predictable -- and unusually hot!
When feels-like temperatures hit triple digits on a regular basis, we’re not the only ones who feel it.
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And our pets need our help to beat the heat!
The Jacksonville Humane Society shared tips for keeping pets safe and cool this summer.
Limit exercise on extra-hot days 🥵
Personally, physical activity and I are barely acquainted, but I know many people love to exercise with their pets.
Even if the heat doesn’t deter you from exercising, it might not be a good idea for your pet pals. Remember that your furry friend can’t tell you in words when they feel overworked.
So keep an eye on the forecast, and on extra-hot days, plan to only exercise your pet in the mornings and evenings when temperatures are at their lowest.
If your dog needs exercise and you don’t have a choice about avoiding the hottest hours of the day, be sure to keep them hydrated and walk them on grass rather than asphalt.
If you wouldn’t walk on it barefoot, they shouldn’t be walking on it either!
And our pet’s unique features matter when it comes to the heat.
Did you know that pets with white ears can get sunburnt and are more susceptible to skin cancer?
And short-nosed pets can have trouble breathing when temperatures are high. (I learned this one when I married into a Boxer dog family. We really have to watch our high-energy girl because she wears out much faster than other pups.)
Panting is key for dogs when it comes to cooling down. Dogs sweat much less than humans (only from their paws, nose and ears), so they rely on panting to circulate air through their bodies.
Provide lots of shade and water 🚰
Pets need lots of cover from the sun and plenty of fresh, cold water when they’re outside or in hot temperatures.
Tents and overhead covers are best for your pet’s shade because they allow airflow.
Also, remember that because dogs don’t sweat as much as humans, fans don’t cool them the way they cool humans, so real airflow and air conditioning are important!
Cool your pets inside and out 🧊
Drinking cold water helps pets stay cool, but you can also have some fun with it!
My girls love to get ice cubes, and you can get creative with DIY pup-sicles, too!
You can also help your pup beat the heat by using cooling body wraps.
When my A/C busted early in the summer (it’s fixed now, thank goodness!), I wrapped my girls in towels I had dipped in cool water. It really helped!
Kiddie pools are also fun for pups! We’ve had some visiting dogs enjoy our backyard kiddie pool.
Fun and safety at the same time is a win-win for you and your dog!
Watch for signs of heatstroke ⚠️
I’ve had heatstroke before, and it was no joke!
But did you know pets can get heatstroke just like people?
In our pets, the signs of heatstroke are:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive panting/thirst/drooling
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Deep red or purple tongue
Senior pets and young pets are especially prone to heatstroke, as well as pets who are struggling with certain health conditions.
Your veterinarian can give you a good idea about your pet’s risk for heatstroke and what you should look for.
Never leave your pet in a parked car 🚘
We’ve all been tempted to run inside for “just a few minutes” and leave our precious pets in the car with the windows down.
But even with the AC running or a window open, temperatures in a parked car can reach dangerous heights.
For example, on an 85-degree day, a parked car will reach more than 100 degrees within just 10 minutes!
If you really need that Starbucks and you have your pup with you, choose the drive-thru (and be sure to get them a puppuccino!)
Better yet, leave your pet at home or drop them off before running errands.
And if you see a pet alone in a car, you can use this guide to decide what to do.
P.S., watch the humidity! 👀
Floridians know that it’s the humidity that will get you, even more than the heat.
Pets pant when they’re feeling hot, and panting takes the moisture from their bodies very quickly.
While humidity is moisture in hot air, this moisture will not help your pet stay cool.
Adopt a pet! 🐶🐱
If you don’t have a pet, and you’ve read this far, you know you want one!
And this summer is the perfect time to consider adding one to your family!
JHS is offering half-priced adoptions on July 20 & 21 at the PetSmart store at 8801 Southside Blvd, during PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Weekend.
And keep an eye on https://jaxhumane.org/upcoming-events/ for more adoption specials and upcoming adoption events throughout the summer!