Keep your pets safe during hot weather.
BE PREPARED:
• Talk to your veterinarian about warm weather risks for pets
(and travel safety if you plan to travel with a pet)
• Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water,
and access to shade when outside
• Keep your pet free of parasites that are more common
during warm weather, such as fleas, ticks and heartworm
KEEP PETS AT HOME:
• Provide different temperature zones within your house for
your pet’s comfort
• Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with
windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly
temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe
KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE:
• If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet
• Take walks, hikes or runs during the cooler hours of the day
• Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s
paws
• Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a
warm-weather haircut or sunscreen
IF YOU WALK, HIKE OR RUN WITH YOUR PET:
• Consult your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise
program for your pet. Overweight pets and short-nosed
dog breeds have higher risk of problems with warm-
weather exercise
• Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of
the day or on particularly warm days
• Take frequent breaks, and take enough water for yourself
and your dog
For more information visit:
AVMA.org/PetHealth
Ask your veterinarian how to recognize signs of
heat stress, and seek emergency veterinary care
if you observe any of these signs:
•
Anxiousness
•
Excessive panting
•
Restlessness
•
Excessive drooling
•
Unsteadiness
•
Abnormal gum and tongue color
•
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