With temps at 100 degrees or higher and the heat index climbing as high as 116 for the past several days in the Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, inhabitants of the region are miserable. Heat warnings litter the news and social network sites and cooling shelters are filling up. Organizations like the Red Cross continue to hand out free fans, but how much relief can they really provide if all they are blowing is 100-degree air?
And if it isn’t hot enough on the human kind, our pets are melting down under their fur coats, even those who are lucky enough to live the majority of their lives indoors under air conditioning. They must all go outside sometime to “do their business” but as pet owners will testify; their time spent outdoors is short lived.
Pets suffer the same health related issues due to excessive heat the same as people. Sunburn, overheating, and dehydration are common issues amongst pets, especially dogs, who are much less efficient in cooling down than people.
So what does one do to help keep our pets cool in this sweltering heat? Here are a few helpful hints to help keep your pet cool and comfortable during high temperatures..
- Consider bringing outdoor pets indoors during the hottest part of the day.
- Always provide your pets with an unlimited supply of fresh water in a tip-proof container. In seriously high temps, water receptacles should be refilled several times per day with fresh water.
- Make sure your pet has a place to hide from direct sunlight. The shade of a tree, a tarp, or an open faced dog house will usually suffice.
- Provide your pet with a “kiddie” pool kept cool with fresh water daily. Fill with only a couple inches of water to insure safety. The smaller the pet, the less water you should use. Never leave pets unattended if you have a regular full size pool in the yard as they may wander in trying to cool off and not be able to get out.
- Add ice blocks to water buckets for outdoor pets and ice cubes added to water dishes of indoor pets. Ice blocks are easily made by filling a milk jug with water and freezing over night. Cut away the jug the next day and drop into your pet’s water receptacle. The larger the block, the longer the ice will last. If your pet has a large water bucket. Plastic jugs can be kept intact and simply dropped into the bucket with fresh water. This way you can reuse the same jigs over and over.
- Install a mister in your yard for your pet to have a refreshing romp in the yard. Not only will it cool down your pet, your lawn will enjoy the drink as well.
- Mist your pet with the garden house a few times a day to bring their body temps to a healthy degree.
- Treat your pet with chucks of popsicles instead of their regular treat.
- Buy your pet a cooling pad, vest, collar, or bandana. These products are filled with nontoxic polymer crystals that can be dipped in water and are reusable. The crystals expand after dipping them in cool water for about 15 minutes and can provide hours of cooling relief for your pet.
- Keep your pets coat trimmed allowing more air to circulate to its skin. (Please check with your veterinarian or local groomer about shaving your pet’s coat. Opinions on this will vary from professional to professional and pet owner to pet owner.)
- Place a fan on the floor surface where your pet can find a place to stretch out.
- Install a small window air unit or fan in a garage or out building, set on low, to provide your outdoor pet some much needed relief.
- Use pet specific sunscreen for pets with short hair or hair that has been trimmed to prevent sunburn.
- Automobile temps climb rapidly when not running and there is no air-conditioning running. The glass intensifies heat and temps can be unbearable and even fatal within just a matter of minutes. If you must leave your pet in the car, carry an extra set of car keys so that you can leave the engine running and the air on and still be able to lock your car.
Do you have tips on keeping pets cool in excessive temperatures? Please feel free to leave your ideas and suggestions in the comment section of this article.
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