INDIANA — As temperatures continue to climb across southern Indiana, pet owners are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe from the dangers of extreme heat.
While people can cool off with air conditioning and cold drinks, pets are much more susceptible to heat-related illnesses because they cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently. Even a short amount of time in high temperatures can quickly become dangerous.
One of the most important things pet owners can do is make sure their animals always have access to fresh, cool water. Outdoor pets should also have plenty of shade throughout the day, as direct sunlight can quickly cause overheating.
Experts recommend limiting walks and outdoor play to the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Hot pavement, asphalt, and concrete can burn a pet’s paw pads in just a matter of seconds. A good rule of thumb is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
Never leave pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, reaching deadly levels even if the windows are cracked open. On an 85-degree day, the inside of a vehicle can exceed 100 degrees within 10 minutes.
Pet owners should also be aware of the warning signs of heatstroke, which can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, weakness, confusion, or collapse. If a pet shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of water, and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Certain animals are especially vulnerable to hot weather. Puppies, senior pets, overweight animals, and breeds with short noses—such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats—have a harder time staying cool and may require extra care during periods of extreme heat.
Keeping pets well-groomed can also help them stay comfortable. However, veterinarians advise against shaving many breeds completely, as their coats often provide protection from both the sun and the heat.
Simple activities like filling a kiddie pool, offering frozen pet-safe treats, or letting dogs play with a sprinkler can help pets stay cool while still enjoying time outdoors.
By taking a few extra precautions, pet owners can help ensure their dogs, cats, and other companion animals stay healthy, happy, and safe throughout the hottest days of summer.
