Sunshine and Summertime
It's a relief to enjoy sunny days after too many months of snow, but as temperatures rise and everything comes back to life outdoors, it's important to remember to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!
Dogs and cats that spend time outdoors should be on flea and tick prevention medication or treatments, as warmer months mean the return of flea and tick populations. While ticks are not as common in Southeast Alaska as in other areas of the country, there have been increased reports of ticks in Alaska in recent years as temperatures warm, so brushing and inspecting your dog after they run loose in densely wooded areas will help you to find and safely remove any ticks before they become a more major health hazard to your pup.
Safely Soak Up the Sun
Your pet can't easily let you know when they're too hot, so knowing the signs of overheating can save them from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Keep an eye on your pet while outdoors to make sure they don't overdo it in the heat. Excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse are all symptoms of overheating. If your pet is overheating, bring them to a cool indoor location and ensure they have access to fresh water. A call to your vet may be needed if your pet's reaction is severe or if they cannot recover from overheating on their own.
Some pets are at higher risk of overheating and will need close monitoring. At-risk pets include those with short noses (such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats), elderly or very young pets, overweight pets, pets with heart and lung disease, or pets with dark and/or thick coats.
More Cooling Than a Summer Breeze
While some things, like sitting under a tree for a moment or leaving a car window cracked, may seem like it gives your pet a bit of a reprieve, it's not always enough. Even if the outdoor temperature is only 70 degrees, the interior of your car can be as much as 120° in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid leaving your pet alone in the car on hot or sunny days to keep them from overheating.
Humidity, like the heightened humidity in Southeast, tends to speed the effects of heat exposure and heat exhaustion. It also means that a small patch of shade, or even a mostly shaded trail, isn't always as cool ad you'd expect it to be. Increased heat paired with humidity can lead to dehydration more quickly, so make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water.
In the Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer
In the same way that cars hold heat and cause a greater risk of overheating, asphalt also soaks in a lot of heat, so be careful with how long you allow your pets to walk on paved areas on hot days. If you have to spend an extended amount of time on pavement with your pets, consider getting booties for your pet to protect their sensitive paw pads.
While splashing around in the water is a great way for your dog to cool off, never leave your pet unattended around bodies of water. Not all pets are experienced swimmers, and even those that are can get stuck or caught in a dangerous situation by something under or around the water.
For more summer and hot weather safety tips, visit the ASPCA Hot Weather Safety Tips page HERE.
It's a relief to enjoy sunny days after too many months of snow, but as temperatures rise and everything comes back to life outdoors, it's important to remember to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!
Dogs and cats that spend time outdoors should be on flea and tick prevention medication or treatments, as warmer months mean the return of flea and tick populations. While ticks are not as common in Southeast Alaska as in other areas of the country, there have been increased reports of ticks in Alaska in recent years as temperatures warm, so brushing and inspecting your dog after they run loose in densely wooded areas will help you to find and safely remove any ticks before they become a more major health hazard to your pup.
Safely Soak Up the Sun
Your pet can't easily let you know when they're too hot, so knowing the signs of overheating can save them from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Keep an eye on your pet while outdoors to make sure they don't overdo it in the heat. Excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse are all symptoms of overheating. If your pet is overheating, bring them to a cool indoor location and ensure they have access to fresh water. A call to your vet may be needed if your pet's reaction is severe or if they cannot recover from overheating on their own.
Some pets are at higher risk of overheating and will need close monitoring. At-risk pets include those with short noses (such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats), elderly or very young pets, overweight pets, pets with heart and lung disease, or pets with dark and/or thick coats.
More Cooling Than a Summer Breeze
While some things, like sitting under a tree for a moment or leaving a car window cracked, may seem like it gives your pet a bit of a reprieve, it's not always enough. Even if the outdoor temperature is only 70 degrees, the interior of your car can be as much as 120° in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid leaving your pet alone in the car on hot or sunny days to keep them from overheating.
Humidity, like the heightened humidity in Southeast, tends to speed the effects of heat exposure and heat exhaustion. It also means that a small patch of shade, or even a mostly shaded trail, isn't always as cool ad you'd expect it to be. Increased heat paired with humidity can lead to dehydration more quickly, so make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water.
In the Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer
In the same way that cars hold heat and cause a greater risk of overheating, asphalt also soaks in a lot of heat, so be careful with how long you allow your pets to walk on paved areas on hot days. If you have to spend an extended amount of time on pavement with your pets, consider getting booties for your pet to protect their sensitive paw pads.
While splashing around in the water is a great way for your dog to cool off, never leave your pet unattended around bodies of water. Not all pets are experienced swimmers, and even those that are can get stuck or caught in a dangerous situation by something under or around the water.
For more summer and hot weather safety tips, visit the ASPCA Hot Weather Safety Tips page HERE.