“Hot enough to fry an egg,” we’ve heard this expression so many times with the Florida heat. It’s essential to keep an eye out for your pet during the summer to avoid overheating or a heat stroke. Be aware that heat advisories are being put out almost everyday over summer, so consider extra steps you may need to take when playing outside or going on walks with your furry friend.

Pets are not able to cool themselves down as easily as their humans, so the summer heat can be potentially dangerous to your animal if you don’t pay close attention. Pets either have to pant to try to lower their body temperature, or drink water. So, as pet owners, it is up to us to help them keep cool during the hot summer months.

Following these tips from the Humane Society of the United States can make the difference between some light panting after a long walk or fatal burns, fever, and heat stroke.

• Practice Basic Summer Safety

  It’s the number one rule in pet ownership: Don’t EVER leave your dog in the car! It’s advised to not even leave your pet in the car for even a minute or even if the car is on and the AC is running. Someone may not be aware that you have the air running for them and still try to rescue your pup from disaster. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hour.

• 7 Second Hand Test

  Some pet owners may not realize that the hot concrete can burn their pets’ paws. Additionally, it’s important for pet owners to know that cats and dogs sweat through their paws, so walking on any type of hot surface has an affect on their body temperature. At 86 degrees, the asphalt temperature jumps to 135 degrees, with limited shade or breeze, that number jumps even higher.

  A good rule of thumb is the 7 second hand test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, and if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets’ paws. So walk in the shade or grass whenever you can or consider buying a pair of booties to protect their paws!

• Keep Them Cool Inside And Out

  Anytime your pet is outside, make sure there is shade to rest under and that they have plenty of water. Note that a doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse. A wet cold towel for on their belly will cool them down faster than when laid on top of it’s coat. Make sure you have plenty of water and try packing some frozen watermelon or keeping a cooling towel handy whenever you venture out. DIY snacks are also a great option for cooling down you pet.

• Know The Signs For Signs Of Heat Stroke

  Extreme temperatures or overplaying may cause a heatstroke for your pet. According to the Humane Society of the United States, signs of heatstroke include: Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness. If your pet is experiencing extreme heat injury, you need to seek medical attention for them as quickly as possible.

  Animals that are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease have a higher risk of heat stroke. Dogs with shorter snouts like pugs or boxers may also have difficulty breathing in extreme heat.

• Prepare For Disaster

  In the case of a storm or power outage, make sure you have a disaster kit or preparedness plan for your pup. If you’re forced to leave your home because you’ve lost electricity, take your pets with you to a pet-friendly hotel or find a friendly kennel.

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