With summer upon us and temperatures rising in many areas of the United States, it’s essential to shield your dog from heat stress since exposure to extreme temperatures could cause heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke.

Like in humans, heatstroke occurs when an animal’s body temperature becomes elevated above the normal range due to exposure to excessively high temperatures, to the point where their body’s temperature-regulating mechanism fails, and they can’t maintain a healthy temperature. It’s a serious illness which can lead to organ failure or even death. Certain animals are at greater risk of being overheated and suffering severe consequences, such as heatstroke, which includes dogs with medical issues (like breathing or heart issues) and those who have a thick or lengthy coat, older or extremely young dogs, and breeds with flat or short-nosed faces like pugs, French bulldogs, and British bulldogs.

Please find out how to keep your pet cool in the summer and guard them from the scorching sun.

Do not walk your dog during the middle of the day.

When it is hot, you should take your dog for a walk earlier in the day or later in the evening, when the temperature is lower. Beware of walking on hot concrete, hot sand asphalt, or other places where heat is reflective, and there’s no possibility of shade.

A way to tell whether the ground is hot is to put your palm on the ground for five seconds. If it’s too hot to handle, then it’s hot enough for your pet!

Do not leave your dog unattended in a car or other vehicle.

Do not ever leave your pet inside vehicles or cars. Car temperatures can exceed the temperature outside, even during mild weather and even when you park in the shade or open the windows. It could take only six minutes for a dog to pass out in a hot car. Dogs may also get overheated when placed on the back of an ute, for example, by burning their feet, as well as other parts of their bodies that are on the tray of the ute.

Make sure you drink ample water.

Make sure your dog has plenty of water that is fresh that is kept cool in a location. Always have an additional bowl or two to protect the bowl from being crushed. It is also possible to add some Ice cubes to keep your water nice and cool.

Keep your pet indoors.

In hot, humid weather, it is recommended to take your dog inside if the indoor temperature is cooler (for instance, or if you have air cooling). If they’re outside, it’s crucial to ensure that your dog has a cool area, dead and ventilated. The need for ventilation is especially important because dogs cool down through sweating, which demands good air circulation.

Many animals suffer from the heat. Cats, as well as smaller animals such as rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs, are also susceptible. Rodents, birds, and even mice are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke. If these animals are restricted to cages, this means that they aren’t able to move to cooler environments, which puts them at a higher risk. Be sure that they are in an airy, shaded, and well-ventilated space and have access to clean drinking water. When it is extremely hot, it could be a requirement to move them inside. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing your pet is secure and comfortable during these hot summer months.