We’re approaching the dog days of summer, with the season’s scorching heat already here. And it’s going to get worse this weekend.
The heat index is expected to reach the mid-100s across the entire Florida peninsula toward the end of the week and into the weekend, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Heat advisories may be issued, and National Weather Service offices in the state are warning residents about “extreme heat.”
While we know our own risks when it comes to bracing for sweltering heat, we also need to be aware of our furry-faced residents, who are among the most at risk of overheating in temperatures over 90 degrees. It’s critical to keep our beloved pets cool during the summer.
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Wondering what the signs of heat stroke look like for animals? We got you covered. Here’s what to look out for, along with tips on how to prevent it in the first place.
Know the symptoms of possible heatstroke in pets
If you suspect that your pet is overheated, immediately take them to a cooler area or to the vet. Once in a cool room, separate their fur with your fingers so the cool air can penetrate the skin.
In case of heatstroke, the RSPCA and PetMD list these symptoms:
Keep water on hand when outside
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure to have plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot and humid outdoors.
If your pet is getting overheated, cool them down as quickly as possible by pouring cool water over their head and body, gently hosing a very light stream of cool water over them, or submerging them in a tub of cool water.
Get supplies to help cool pets down
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests ways to relieve your pet from the heat by having cooling supplies on hand in advance, such as:
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Never leave your pet in a hot car
Not only is this dangerous for pets, but it is illegal in most states. Even on a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to severe levels.
On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.
Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.
Don’t let your pet linger on hot asphalt
If the temperature outside is 85 degrees, asphalt in the sun can easily reach over 140 degrees, burning your pet’s paw pads.
Try to limit your pet’s outdoor exercise and adjust its intensity and duration according to the temperature. On very hot days, the American Kennel Club suggests limiting exercise to early morning or evening hours and being especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.
Never shave your pet
While one might think layers of thick fur might cause a pet to overheat, shaving does the opposite.
The Humane World for Animals writes that the layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat
They note that any sunscreen or insect repellent you use on your pets must be labeled specifically for use on animals.
Visit the vet for a spring or early summer checkup
In addition to keeping your pets cool at the moment, make sure they get their regular check-ups and that there are no underlying issues to worry about before the summer. Experts also advise that pets be tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication.
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Florida Network
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida heat index reaches mid-100s this weekend. Tips to keep pets cool
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Fort Myers News-Press
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By Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
