It’s the dog days of summer here in the Cincinnati area, and while there’s not much you can do about the heat and humidity in the Queen City, there’s a lot you can do to help keep your pet cool and safe during the summer months.
Create a Cool Zone: If you keep your AC at a higher temperature, or if you don’t have AC, you can create a resting nook for your pet in the coolest and most shaded corner of your home. Use soft, lightweight bedding and place it under a table, in a corner, or in a secluded spot where your pet can, quite literally, chill out. Use a fan for better air circulation, but make sure the fan is in a safe place where it won’t be tipped over or fall, and be sure to keep cords hidden or out of reach, so bored pets won’t find entertainment in chewing wires.
Create a Dog-Friendly Water Park: Your backyard is the perfect place for a pup water park. Set up a sprinkler and let your dog run around in the water or lie down under the sprinkles. You can also buy a kiddie pool for low cost and fill with cool (but not cold) water to let your dog jump in and splash around. For extra credit, toss in floating toys or treats for your dog to retrieve.
Soak It Up: Soaking a bandana or small towel in cool water and wrapping it around your pet will help bring some relief. The water evaporates, creating a cooling effect. You can also invest in a cooling mat that will lower your pet’s body temperature. These mats are made with cooling materials to provide a nice surface for cooling off.
Summer Treats: Fill a Kong with some canned dog food or peanut butter and freeze it. This is both a cooling treat and a fun challenge for your pet. You can also make pup-sicles by blending pet-friendly fruits, such as watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries with water and pouring the blend into popsicle molds. Many Dairy Queens offer soft-serve pup cups, but you’ll have to ask for one specifically, because it’s a menu secret. Some dogs have digestive sensitivities, so check with your vet before offering a pup cup, and make it a once-in-a-while treat.
If It’s Too Hot for You… It goes without saying that if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet! Don’t leave pets outside for extended periods of time, especially in the hottest part of the day. If you have pets that live outdoors, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water, and that their habitat is in a shady area.
Signs of Overheating: In dogs, this can include frantic panting, labored breathing, and extreme salivation. Dehydration may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs can be more sensitive to high heat and humidity. Signs of overheating in cats are similar to those found in dogs. Panting, drooling, vocalizing, rapid heartbeat, and lethargy are among the most common symptoms. Small animals, being more sensitive to their environment, should be closely watched in hot weather. Overheated rabbits will have shallow breathing, a wet nose, hot ears, and lethargy. And believe it or not, fish can get overheated, too! Keep aquarium temperatures within normal parameters by floating a small bag of ice in the tank or by placing a clip-on fan to blow across the top of the tank. Turn off any lights. Check the tank frequently to make sure the temperature isn’t dropping too rapidly. You can also invest in an aquarium chiller, which is a special type of refrigerant cooler for aquariums.
Your first response to any overheated pet is to get them quickly to a cool area. Dogs and cats can also be treated with a cool (not cold) water bath. If your cat is stressed by bath time, use a cloth dampened with water. You can quickly cool a bunny by dampening their ears with cool water. Always take an overheated pet to your vet or local emergency clinic as soon as possible, because heatstroke may cause organ damage, which can lead to death.
Taking good care of your pets during a Cincinnati summer will ensure that everyone has a safe and happy season!