Dogs cool their bodies through their paw pads and panting, and hot asphalt or cement can easily burn their paws. Avoid walking your pet during the hottest part of the day, especially in direct sunlight. Place the back of your hand on the pavement to judge if it is too hot for your pet. Dogs and cats are at particular risk for heatstroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, or have heart or respiratory disease. If you witness signs of heatstroke as heavy panting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or vomiting, quickly remove your pet to shade or an air-conditioned space and apply ice packs or a cold towel to their head, neck and chest; then consult a veterinarian. #DogDays #Pets
Tag: beating the heat
Keep Pets Safe During the Dog Days of Summer
It’s “dog days” of summer, so here’s a helpful reminder: Heat and humidity can be dangerous to your animal companions. Be sure that your house pets can stay hydrated by placing several bowls around the house and consider limiting their intake of grain-based foods that cause metabolic spikes in body temperature, says the National Weather Service. Schedule your pet’s #outdoor time to avoid the hottest parts of the day, avoid strenuous activities and instead provide plenty of shade. Be alert to heat illness in pets such as a rapid or irregular heart rate, excessive drooling, lethargy, refusal to eat, or excessive panting. #DogDays #Pets
How to Dress for Extreme Heat
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing if you plan to be outdoors during extreme heat this summer. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen and silk breathe to allow perspiration to evaporate, and certain synthetics such as Coolmax are designed to wick away sweat. “Loose, billowy clothes allow air movement next to the skin and help with evaporation,” Penn State professor Larry Kenney told Real Simple. You can find many lightweight and lightly used garments at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org — or #donate the ones you no longer need. Resale proceeds go directly to programs that benefit the nation’s #veterans. #BeatTheHeat #OutdoorLiving
Avoid Exertion During Extreme Heat Events
With #climate change making #weather extremes more unpredictable, even simple activities such as getting the mail or walking the dog can pose health risks when temperatures spike. Ingest fluids continuously during extreme heat events even if you aren’t engaging in a strenuous activity — it’s better to prevent dehydration than react to it or suffer heatstroke. “Extreme heat is one of the terrifying aspects of climate change, and it’s important that people understand how to protect themselves and others,” Columbia University professor Cecilia Sorensen told Scientific American last year. #BeatTheHeat #OutdoorLiving
Avoid the Hottest Hours During Extreme Heat
During the dog days of #summer, it’s best to schedule any #outdoor time to avoid the #hottest parts of the day. Enjoy #outdoor activities in the morning and evening, seek out #shade, and avoid engaging in strenuous activities when the temperatures get uncomfortable, says Ledge Loungers. You may have to change up your workout routine to stay cool and get some exercise, or spend more time at the #beach or #swimming pool. Drink plenty of water and other refreshments, but avoid overindulging in sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in extreme heat. #BeatTheHeat #OutdoorLiving