Stay Cool, Dog: Keeping Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather

Our crazy New England weather can often take us by surprise (at the time of writing the temperatures have hit over 95F in early June) and so it’s important to be prepared so that when the mercury starts to climb we can keep our pets cool and healthy.

Here are our top tips for keeping your pets safe in hot weather.

Keep that water bowl topped up!

Provide easy access to clean, fresh water

This is true year round, but becomes even more critical in summer months. Your dog needs to stay hydrated and so make sure their water bowls are kept topped up at all times, with ice if it’s particularly hot.

Know the signs of heat stroke

It’s important to act quickly if your pet might be suffering from heat stroke. According to the MSPCA, signs to watch for include excessive panting, vomiting, tiring easily, loss of appetite and lethargy. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heat stroke, contact your vet immediately as heat stroke can prove fatal.

Exercise in moderation

When it’s hot, limit the duration of walks so that your dog doesn’t become overheated. Take plenty of breaks to hang out in the shade and be sure to take water with you on your walks. At Boston Fetch we will always put your dog’s safety first and will cut walks short in hotter weather or if we feel a dog is struggling in the heat.

Never leave a dog alone in a car

Leaving a dog in a car on even a moderately hot day can lead to your pet succumbing to heat stroke in a matter of minutes. Don’t do it!

Stick to grass or dirt trails on hot days - hot sidewalks can burn!

Be careful of hot sidewalks and other surfaces

Sidewalks and asphalt can get very hot when the temperature rises. The paw pads of dogs can get burnt with prolonged exposure to hot hard surfaces so keep walks short, stay in the shade as much as possible and ideally only walk on soft surfaces (e.g. grass or dirt trails) rather than sidewalks which can get brutally hot.

Be aware of how heat affects your pet’s breed

Some breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke than others. Breeds with flat faces (such as pugs, or bulldogs) can struggle to breath in extreme heat or humidity. White or light colored animals can be more likely to get sunburn (use suncreen but make sure it’s specifically formulated for animals.) Other factors, such as age and underlying health conditions can make an animal more sensitive to heat.