How Pet Owners Can Identify Heatstroke
Cats and dogs don’t cool off the same way people do. Their bodies rely on a few sweat glands in their paws. Dogs can also pant. Add sun exposure, hot pavement, and intense playtime, and you’ve got a recipe for overheating or worse, heatstroke. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference when trying to identify whether your pet may be suffering from heatstroke.
- Heavy panting or trouble breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapsing, weakness, or trembling
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, offer water, and contact a veterinarian or nearby pet ER immediately.
Summer Safety Tips for Healthy Pets
Schedule Your Pet’s Annual Wellness Exam
Before your pet joins in the summer festivities, make sure they’re protected. During a wellness exam, a veterinary team will check vaccination status, update flea/tick and heartworm prevention, and evaluate readiness for an active season outdoors.
Keep Fresh Water Everywhere
Hydration is critical for pets during summer. From sitting on the patio to hiking a trail, make sure water is readily available. Collapsible bowls and pet water bottles are great for on-the-go hydration. Drop in a few ice cubes for an extra cool treat. Always wash water bowls at least once a day, especially if they are being kept outdoors.
Stick to Morning or Evening Outings
Midday sun is harshest. Walk your dog early or late, and always test pavement with your hand. It shouldn’t be uncomfortable to touch. Otherwise, it’s too hot for your pet!
Create Shady Rest Areas
Your pet needs a place to cool down. Bring an umbrella or pop-up tent, or let them rest in the grass under a tree.
Practice Safe Swimming
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Always supervise them near water, including pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Use a pet life jacket for safety and teach them to enter and exit pools safely. Also, rinse your dog after a swim to remove chlorine, salt, and bacteria.
Watch for Outdoor Hazards
Be mindful of hot grills, food scraps, trash, toxic plants, insect stings, and sharp sticks or thorns.
Grooming for Comfort
Regularly brushing your pet aids in ventilation and removes mats that trap heat. Remember, don’t shave double-coated breeds, as that can actually increase heat retention and sunburn risk.
Pets Deserve a Safe, Healthy Summer in Clarksburg, MD
From backyard play to splash-filled weekends, summer should be a joyful time for you and your pet. With just a little awareness and preparation, you can reduce risks and maximize fun. Clarksburg Animal Hospital has veterinary services like vaccines and parasite prevention that prepare pets for summer in Clarksburg or neighboring areas like Germantown and Boyds. Get your pet summer-ready by scheduling an appointment with us.
