Summers have arrived in the Metropolitan City and it’s started to get killing as well. With unbearable heat, sweat and irritation, everyone needs to take extra care of themselves and their pets. Usually, Humans tend to cool them off by either switching on Air-Conditioner, but when it comes to Pets, they are often the target of Heatwave. In our region, since couple of years we have been experiencing serious Heatwave, which has made many people ill and also have been struck with Heat Stroke. In order to avoid falling sick, all you can do is avoid going out in the Sun, unnecessary travelling should not be considered and too much outdoor games during the daytime should be decreased. Similarly, our outdoor pets also can get and do come under the spell of Heat Wave, in order to protect them from heatwave, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to keep your pets safe and comfortable.

Here are some tips to help you protect your furry friends:

1. Provide plenty of fresh water: Ensure your pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration can happen quickly in hot weather, so regularly refill water bowls throughout the day.
2. Create a cool environment: Keep your home cool by using fans, air conditioning, or keeping curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day. Provide a shady area for outdoor pets, and consider bringing them indoors during extreme heat.
3. Avoid hot surfaces: Pavement, asphalt, and sand can become very hot and burn your pet’s paws. Walk your pets during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and stick to grassy areas when possible.
4. Never leave pets in parked cars: Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a parked car can quickly become deadly for pets. If you need to run errands, leave your pets at home where they’ll be safe.
5. Watch for signs of overheating: Symptoms of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and contact your veterinarian.
6. Provide cooling options: Offer your pets ways to cool down, such as providing a shallow wading pool for dogs to splash in or placing ice packs wrapped in towels in their bedding areas.
7. Groom your pets: Keep your pets’ fur trimmed to help them stay cooler, but be careful not to shave them completely, as their fur provides some insulation from the heat and sunburn.
8. Adjust exercise routines: Limit outdoor activities and exercise during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, schedule walks and playtime for cooler times, like early morning or late evening.
9. Monitor indoor temperatures: If you’re away from home during the day, consider using a smart thermostat or pet monitoring system to keep an eye on indoor temperatures and ensure they remain safe for your pets.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0