Be careful when leaving your animal outdoors during the summer and winter months.
Summer Months
During summer months when it is hot, dogs that are constantly outside can develop hyperthermia also know as heat stroke. A dog's normal body temperature is around 100° to 102.5° and a cat's 99.5° to 102.5° but when their body temperature rises to above 107° to 109° their organs start to shut down. Cats are pretty good at judging when to go and cool down in the shade.
Signs of Hyperthermia or Heat Stroke
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blue or bright red gums or tongue
- Drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Slow and not obeying commands
- If you notice any of these symptoms, get them to shade immediately and try to get them cooled down!
Tips for pets in summer months
- Make sure that they have access to water.
- Try not to use lightweight bowls as they can easily be knocked over and spilled. You can dig a hole big enough for a shallow bucket to put water and ice in to help keep the water cool. If you do not want to dig a hole then try to use heavier bowls that wont be easily knocked over.
- You can use cool but not cold water to cool off as well as rubbing alcohol in the pads of their paws.
- Provide shade. Trees are an excellent source of shade but some people do not have trees. You can use umbrellas or pop up canopies.
- Try to limit their time on the pavement as it can be very hot and can even burn the pets pads on their feet.
Winter Months
During the winter months especially if you live in a place where it is constantly snowing or raining, dogs or cats can develop hypothermia. Normal body temperatures for dogs is around 100° to 102.5° and for cats 99.5° to 102.5° but when their temperatures drop below 98° their organs begin to shut down. Try not to leave your pets in snowy or rainy conditions for an extended amount of time. When you bring them in, dry them off and warm them up soon.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
- Weak pulse
- Dilated pupils
- Decreased heart rate
- Extreme shivering
- Pale or blue mucous membranes (look at their gums and lips)
- Body temperature under 95° F
- Stupor (a state of unconsciousness or insensibility)
Tips for pets during winter months
- Make sure that they have an escape from the cold. There are insulated dog houses but they can be quite expensive so if you already have a dog house make sure that they have plenty of towels or blankets. You can also add warming lamps which are similar to incubators that people use for baby chicks.
- If you already have a shelter, you can use newspaper and plastic to keep everything dry and warm. Try to limit the size of the doorway to cut down on breezes.
- If you have a short haired dog, use clothing such as sweaters or jackets. Make sure that they do not eat their sweaters as it can cause intestinal blockages.
- Keep your pets away from deicer or rock salt, it is very irritating to their paws and can be very poisonous if ingested.
- If there is snow on the ground, make sure that your pets have a path to use the bathroom and try not to leave them alone if the snow is higher than their head.
- If your dog is shivering and you are not actively warming them up and they stop shivering on their own, this may be a cause of concern and you should most likely call your vet.