We Help Your Pets Beat the Heat -- Here's How You Can, Too!

Imagine wearing a coat outside in the intense, hot temperatures we’ve been experiencing.

Well, your dog or cat doesn’t have to imagine it—they deal with it on a daily basis, due to the fur nature gave them. And that’s why it’s important to consider ways to keep your pets cool during the aptly named “dog days of summer.”

Here are some things to keep in mind to help your pets beat the heat:

• Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water. Change the water daily. Occasionally drop in a few ice cubes for an added touch of refreshment on particularly hot days.
• Even air conditioned homes can get muggy when the outdoor temperature soars above 90 or 100 degrees. Make sure your pet has access to the cooler parts of the home, like the basement. If you don’t have air conditioning, ceiling fans help circulate air, or you can run a floor fan with a solid base. Low speeds are fine, as long as the air is moving.
• If you have an outdoor dog, make sure they have a place to lie in the shade, and take extra precautions to make sure they have plenty of water to drink. Remember, too, that as the sun moves overhead, so does the shade—so what appears to be a cool, comfortable spot when you leave for work in the morning may be scorching hot while you’re away in the afternoon.
• If yours is an indoor dog, choose early morning or evening hours to take them for a walk, avoiding the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
• Do not leave your pet unattended in a vehicle! Temperatures in a parked vehicle can soar as high as 150 degrees or more in a matter of minutes. Leaving windows partially open is no solution; studies have shown it barely makes a difference in the inside temperature of the vehicle. If you’re traveling to a vacation destination with your pet, stay only in pet-friendly lodging. Stop at roadside parks or get your food to go while you’re on the road, and let your pet out of the vehicle when you get out. As always, provide plenty of fresh water.

These are just a few of the things you can do to keep your dog or cat cool in the summer. Since they pant to relieve heat instead of perspiring, they are more susceptible to heat stroke—which can occur in as little as 15 minutes. Watch for things like excessive panting, disorientation, breathing difficulties, or thick saliva. Don’t be afraid to give your pet a gentle, cooling bath if they’ve been exposed to heat too long. It can help lower their temperature and speed their recovery.

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we keep our guests in comfortable, climate controlled suites, and care for them during play time and potty trips. We also make sure they have plenty of fresh water so they remain hydrated and happy throughout their stay.