People become easily exhausted, dehydrated and even extremely sick during the hottest of summer months. Imagine having to wear a fur coat over your regular clothing during those months, and you can get an understanding of what it's like for your pet. Dogs, cats and other furry creatures do not have methods to cope with hot weather like humans do, and so summer heat and humidity can be extremely dangerous for them. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your pet cool and safe during the heat.
Things You'll Need
- Tip-proof water bowl
- Water
Instructions
Ways to Keep Pets Cool
Keep your pet's water bowl full of cool, clean water at all times. Using a tip-proof bowl, available at pet supply stores, will prevent the animal from spilling his water. Since dogs and cats don't perspire like humans do, they have to keep a steady supply of cool water in their system to make sure they don't overheat.
Carry a supply of cool, clean water with you in the car or on walks with your pet. You must be able to provide water for your pet whenever he or she needs it.
Limit your pet's exercise during hot weather. If you normally take your dog for walks, cut the time in half to prevent him from overheating. Also, do not allow your pet to exercise outside during the hottest hours of the day, generally in the early afternoon.
Provide plenty of shade for your animal during the hot weather. This can include allowing them into the house when they are normally outdoors, putting up awnings or umbrellas or purchasing dog houses that provide shelter from the sun.
Have your pet's hair cut short or shaved to limit the amount of weight they carry around, which will lower body temperature.
Cooling Tools
Purchase a cooling product, available at pet supplies stores. These products include beds, vests, bandannas and collars that help to keep your pet cool in hot weather.
Soak your cooling product in cool to cold water for 15 to 30 minutes; follow product instructions for exact timing.
Dry the tool with a clean, dry towel. Put the bed in a cool, shady place, or wrap the vest, collar or bandanna around him appropriately. Crystals in the product will retain the cold and lower your pet's body temperature.
Repeat as necessary when the coolness wears off; this can also vary by product and by size of the dog. These items are all reusable.