by L Hurley

Created on: May 14, 2009   Last Updated: November 05, 2010

When outside temperatures rise spare a thought for your pets. As soon as the temperature reaches 75 degrees puppies and kittens, older or overweight pets, pets with short muzzles, thick coats or dark colored fur are all at risk of dehydration and heat stroke.

At the same temperature pets with white fur risk sunburn and skin cancer. As the temperature climbs past 75 all pets are placed at risk so think ahead and prepare to protect your pet from the hot weather.

If you must leave your pet outside on hot days there are a number of things you can do to protect them from the sun's heat.

Clean fresh water needs to be located in the shade. Keep in mind that as the sun moves shade will too. Provide more than one non-spill bowl in shaded areas around the yard.

Make sure tethered dogs can reach water if their tether becomes twisted and that their tether cannot become tangled. A water fountain will provide extremely fresh water for fastidious cats.

Provide shade for your pet from the sun's heat. If you don't have shade trees or bushes four poles and a shade cloth will make a pet sized gazebo.

Don't exercise your pet on hot days and don't allow them to get overexcited. Dogs in particular will not know when they are overdoing it.

Clip long haired pets leaving an inch of fur to protect them from sunburn. Provide a light, white cotton coat for dark colored dogs to reflect the sun's heat. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas of white pets.

Do not leave your pet in an enclosed, un-airconditioned area. Opening windows slightly does not provide enough ventilation in either a house or a car to prevent dehydration or stroke.

If traveling with your pet take plenty of fresh water with you and offer it frequently. If your dog requires a muzzle, leave him at home. Muzzles restrict panting and inhibit natural cooling.

A dog's normal temperature is 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. A cat's is 100.5 to 101.5. As their temperature rises they are in danger of serious injury to their internal organs and death.

If your pet is lethargic, loses their appetite, has sunken dry eyes, an increased heart rate, excessive panting or drooling, very red gums or is vomiting you need to take action immediately to cool them down.

Move your pet out of direct sunlight and into a shaded area. Wet them down with cool water. Sponge the groin and stomach areas and place wet towels over their head and neck but do not cover their face.

Give them small amounts of cool water every few minutes. You can use a medicinal syringe to drop small amounts into the side of your cat's mouth if they won't drink. Take your pet to a vet as soon as you can, both dehydration and heat stroke can have serious consequences.

Cats and dogs feel the effects of hot weather much sooner than we do. Protect your pet from the summer heat by taking the necessary precautions. Prevention is always better than cure.

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