The heat wave in the Pacific Northwest has shattered some records, and these are records we’re not really wanting to break. While Boise is definitely hot with many consecutive triple-digit days, it’s not as bad as Portland, Oregon, that set a new record high temperature reading of 115°. And the town of Lytton, British Columbia, in Canada set a high-temperature record of 118° for the ENTIRE COUNTRY OF CANADA! Not just for the date today, but for all recorded time. That temperature of 118° had never been reached before. In Canada. Ever!
WOW -- that’s hot, and we’re just now getting into summer weather!
While we humans can take care of ourselves by staying inside and keeping hydrated, our pets rely upon us to make sure they are healthy, comfortable, and safe. Perhaps there should be a Golden Rule for Pet Owners that says, “Do Not Put Your Pets into a Situation That You Would Not Want to Be in Yourself.”
Having a fresh supply of water both inside and outside is critical. Maybe you don’t think your pet drinks much water, but it will when it is thirsty. The water inside will stay cool like your house temperature, but the water outside will rise to match the outside temperature. The water won’t be hot, but it will be warm. If the water is still fresh (you just refilled it today or yesterday at the latest), you can put a few ice cubes in it to bring down the temperature.
The outside water bowl is more susceptible to mold because of the higher temperature than indoors. Every two or three days (sooner if the bowl or the water gets a green tint), you should empty the bowl and wash it out using a cloth or soft brush so that you are cleaning the entire interior of the bowl. It’s not a good idea to use soap or detergent unless the bowl is really dirty. No matter what you use, rinse the bowl thoroughly so there is no soap or detergent residue left in the bowl.
Many Idahoans have hunting dogs, whether you live in Boise or in a rural area. The dogs are used to being outside; maybe they’ve never been indoors. Not even in the winter. Just as you would make sure that they have the ability to stay warm and dry in the Idaho winters, you also must make sure that they are able to stay cool, out of the sun, and have plenty of fresh water in these hot days.
The above infographic is a reminder from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals) that you have to be vigilant and remember that your pets can’t take care of themselves -- they need you to watch out for them.
Here are some of the precautions recommended by ASPCA to prevent your pet from overheating:
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.
- Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states!
- Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
- When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
We all love our pets, no matter what they are: dog, cat, ferret, parrot, hamster, rat, snake, goat, horse, and the list could go on and on. As we are in the midst of very hot weather, please take the proper precautions to keep your pet as safe as (maybe even more than) you would keep any other loved one.