Did you know pets more susceptible to heat stroke than humans?
Here, Dr. Yui Shapard gives her advice for keeping pets cool all summer long.
As the temperature rises, yourfurry friendmight be struggling to keep cool.
The risks of heat stroke and dehydration are just as real for your pets as they are for you.
Experts in This Article
Yui Shapard is an associate veterinarian in New York City.
Most breeds are covered in fur which further worsens their ability to remain cool, says Dr. Shapard.
Yui Shapard is an associate veterinarian in New York City.
Theyre also lower to the ground and more vulnerable to increased temperature.
Combined, all these factors can make them more susceptible to heat stroke.
We tend to forget that unlike humans, animals cannot tell us when theyre not feeling well.
How to keep your pets cool in extreme heat
1.
DO give them plenty of water keep them hydrated
Pets needmore water to stay hydrated during the summer.
Fill up bowls regularly with cool water to help keep their core body temperature down.
To be better safe than sorry, fill (and re-fill) that bowl up multiple times a day.
Dont even think about mid-day runs with them, she says.
Even on those evening walks, bring water.
Yui Shapard is an associate veterinarian in New York City.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Your dog or cat will be most safe with the AC running at a healthy, comfortable temperature.
Invest in ahigh-efficiency AC unityou can leave running without a huge electric bill.
DONT ever leave them in the carnot ever
This is Dr. Shapards biggest no-no.
Nevereverthem in the car even for a few minutes, says Dr. Shapard.
Wait until theyre home, safe in the AC, to run out again.
Neither should your pet.
But be conscious not to shave offtoo much.
It would be best to shorten their hair but not shave them down completely.
If your pet displaysanyof following, bring them indoors to AC and give them coolnot coldwater.
Doing so could lead to a sudden, dangerous change in blood pressure.
Instead, stick to cool water.
Their respiratory tract is already compromised, says Dr. Shapard.
It can be very tricky to save them, even with the best veterinary staff on board.
A dietitians guide to the most hydrating foods (for you, not your pets):
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