Hot Weather Tips to Keep Pets Healthy & Cool

Make sure your Pet is safe in the heat. Here are your summer care tips, brought to you by Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Croydon.

Do Not Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car

Vehicles hear quickly in the sun, and animals left in them can succumb to heat stroke in a very short time. Heatstroke is life threatening for both dogs and cats. Signs to watch for: heavy, loud breathing, a staggering gait, and a bright red tongue or gum tissue. If heat stroke is suspected, get the animal to a cool place, put cool compresses in his belly, or wet him down. This is a medical emergency—take him to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Limit Exercise

To prevent him or hear from overheating, don’t let your dog exercise in hot weather. If you want to run with your dog, do it in the cool hours of early morning or late evening.

Keep Cool

Dogs and Cats need a cool, shady place to sleep during hot weather, as well as plenty of clean, fresh water, accessible at all times of the day. Older animals have a hard time in hot weather, so be sensitive to their needs during the hottest hours of the day.

Watch out for hot pavements and beaches - sensitive paws burn easily.

Not Every Dog Paddles Well

Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in, never thrown or chased in. Don’t let them drink from pools, streams or the ocean. If they swim, rinse them off. Salt and inerals can damage a dog’s coat.

Sunburn is no Day at the Beach

It hurts. Short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure.

If you need help with a pet's summer medical issue, please call. 215-788-9449.