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Summer Days in Florida Can Put Our Fur-Babies at Risk!
By Laura Weiss
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
ALL fur-babies need cool fresh water available throughout the day (ice cubes can go in their water as well for an extra-treat!)
Cats, dogs, or any other animals you have should be kept indoors with temperatures over 80 degrees between the hours of 10:00am-4:00pm.
If you take your dog for a walk, make it short, so they do not overheat.
Remember, asphalt and pavement can get extremely hot and burn your pups’ paw pads!
You may want to consider dog booties if street walking is your only option.
Walking on grass is cooler and feels better on their feet.
Dogs with light colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are more susceptible to getting sunburn and may require sunscreen on their nose and ear tips!
Consider getting a small pool for your fur babies when temps are high. Most animals enjoy water!
Pigs need lots of shade outdoors and a pool of water would be excellent for them to cool down in.
Dogs, rabbits, birds, do not have sweat glands. They cool off by panting.
Cats and rats have sweat glands in their paw pads.
Cats prefer indoors and shade. Many times, they will overgroom themselves to cool down.
Heat and humidity can be hard on rabbits. Above 77 degrees is dangerous for them.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
Rapid pulse and breathing, redness of the tongue and mouth, glazed eyes, excessive thirst, lethargy, stumbling, and vomiting.
If you see any of these signs, take action immediately!
Move the animal to the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs to the head, neck and chest areas. Allow the animal to drink small amounts of water.
Medical attention may be needed!
NEVER, EVER, leave your fur babies in a car unattended! In a matter of minutes, animals can go into a full heat stroke!
If you find a dog or cat locked in a car, or tied up where they cannot get shade or water, call 911!
If you find a dog or cat neglected and experiencing any of these symptoms from the heat call 311!
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