Help your Pet Beat the Heat with these Cool Tips!

1. Get creative with your pet's water supply!
 Make sure to have at least three places in your home where your pet can drink water if it’s hot outside. A cat water fountain was a big hit with one of my cats who liked to swat at the moving water. It was a double win because she had fun and ended up drinking more water! For dogs try adding some ice cubes into their water bowl for some ice bobbing fun that doubles as a cool water source. 

​2. Make frozen pet treats!
You can find the best recipes for pet treats online with ingredients such as peanut butter, pumpkin, and yogurt. Always make sure the human foods you give your pets are vet approved, and don’t overdo the treats. Overweight pets can suffer the effects of heat more than fit ones.

3. Protect your pet's paws! 
Hot sidewalks and streets can burn your pet’s sensitive paws. Take care to protect their feet with booties if the temperatures are soaring. Try this fun and easy dog bootie DIY— it works for cats too if you make them smaller! Also, how adorable are cats with tiny mittens on?

4. Give your pet a break from the heat!
Provide plenty of shade and maybe even a swimming pool for you dogs to play in and cool off. 

5.Heat Stroke: Know the Signs
Heat stroke is a very real danger for our animals. Knowing how to spot the signs is important for any pet parent.Always keep a close eye out for any of the following:

• restlessness
• excessive panting
• drooling
• reddened gums
• vomiting and/or diarrhea
• lethargy
• uncoordinated movement
• not responding
• tremors
• collapse

If you do suspect your pet may have heat stroke, take action quickly. Take them inside into the cool right away. Using cool, not cold, water, sponge or hose your pet’s entire body, paying particular attention to the underside. Allow your pet to drink water, cool again, not ice cold, but don’t force it. Don’t place anything (ie. cold, wet towels) on your pet – this traps the heat in. Call your trusted veterinarian immediately for next steps.