Hot weather tips for pets.
Many animals do not have cooling systems as efficient as those of humans, nor can they pour themselves a glass of water. So we are responsible for taking the extra steps necessary to be sure they do not suffer from the heat.
Companion Animals such as dogs and cats are very vulnerable to high temperatures because their only sweat glands are on their noses and the pads of their feet. Walking dogs on blacktop on a hot day is extremely dangerous and can result in burns just as it does for humans with bare feet. You have sandals on, they don't. Animals kept in backyards should have plenty of deep shade over grass or dirt. Be sure there is shade all day as the position of the sun changes. Limit exercise during the hottest part of the day and bring them indoors if possible. Plenty of clean water should be available at all times. NEVER leave an animal in the car even on a warm day even with the windows open as the temperature builds rapidly, sometimes in less than 10 minutes, and heat stroke will result.
Signs of heat stroke are rapid panting or difficulty breathing, disorientation, staggering, lying prone, rolling eyes or unconsciousness. In the event of heat stroke get the animal out of the car and into the shade. Take its temperature if possible. Place cool, water-soaked towels on the feet and groin area. Transport the animal to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately. DO NOT hose the animal down with cold water as this may result in shock. Older pets and snub-nosed dogs and cats are more susceptible to the heat.
Be alert for coolant leaks from your vehicle. Ethylene glycol is attractive to animals but a deadly poison. Similarly, keep animals away from areas freshly sprayed with pesticides or other toxic chemicals. Pot bellied pigs enjoy having a shallow wading pool.
Indoor animals should also have abundant fresh water available. Short-haired, light colored or pink-skinned dogs and cats can get sunburned, and sun block may be used sparingly as needed. Try to discourage white-faced animals from lying in direct sun. Birds, fish and reptiles should be protected from having their cages or tanks sitting in the sun all day. The same goes for pocket pets such as hamsters, gerbils, bunnies, ferrets and guinea pigs. If they are not in an air-conditioned environment, plastic bags of frozen water can be placed in the enclosure for them to cool themselves.
Reptiles require a temperature gradient to regulate their body heat, so all heat or all cold, as from summer air conditioning, makes this impossible for them leading to stress and illness.
Livestock also need plenty of cool abundant water and shade. Since grazing materials do not grow well in shade, hay should be placed under the trees. Work, exercising and transport should all be scheduled for the cooler portions of the day. Even non-working horses will double their intake of water during hot weather; their need for salt is similarly increased and salt licks should always be maintained. Food intake of cattle and swine will decrease. Barns can be cooled with large fans and animals in barns and paddocks can be wet down frequently to improve their comfort level. Shade cloth can be stretched over an outdoor area with good air flow close to feed and water.
