Ask A DFW Expert: Keeping Your Pet Cool

Dr. Candy Major is a veterinarian practicing at The Vet House in Richardson. Major's extensive experience in treating animals has made her one of the most well respected veterinarians in North Texas. She offers these tips to help keep your pet cool during the summer months.

Dr. Candy Major
The Vet House
1400 N. Plano Rd.
Richardson, TX 75081
(972) 690-8741
www.thevethouse.comAs summer approaches, it is important to keep people hydrated and cooled. The same goes for our pets. The North Texas temperatures can be deadly to our pets if we don't follow simple but important steps to keep our furry friends cool during the summer months.

Tip: Never Leave Your Dog In The Car In just a few minutes the temperature can rise to 120 degrees even with the windows partially lowered. Every year there are reports of dogs dying in hot cars. The heat of being in a hot car can cause irreversible organ damage and death. Even if your dog is your best companion and loves riding in the car, it really is best for them to stay at home and let them stay in the cool of the air conditioning.

Tip 2: Keep Your Dog Out Of The Sun Chaining your dog up in the backyard is wrong and even more so if they are left in the sun with no place to escape the sun's hot rays. Light colored dogs can experience sunburn on the tops of their ears and nose. If you are outside in the middle of the day with your dog, make sure you keep them out of direct sunlight. Give your dog a shady place to get out of the sun. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat. It will make it worse. Keep your dog inside an air-conditioned house. Chances are, your dog or cat will enjoy spending time sprawled out on the kitchen or bathroom tile floor because it is cool.Related: Best Dog Runs In DFW

Tip 3: Walk Early In The Morning And Late At Night After The Sun Has Gone DownIf you go for a morning or evening jog, remember your pets don't wear shoes. The pads of their paws can be burned walking across asphalt. It is best to walk your dog on the grass before the sun goes up or after the sun goes down.

Tip 4: Keep Them HydratedPets can get dehydrated quickly so you'll want to offer plenty of fresh and clean water. This is key for dogs and cats. Put ice cubes in the water bowls to help keep the water cool.

Tip 5 Play In The PoolKiddie pools are a great way to help Fido keep cool. Make sure you keep the kiddie/doggie pool in the shade. If you travel with Fido then get cooling collars for him and a cooling bed. You can make your own cooling pad by soaking a towel in cold water and letting your dog lie on it. You can go swimming with your dog and use floating disks or other water toys.

Bonus Tip: Pay AttentionAs humans, we have sweat glands that dogs do not. Dogs pant to release body heat. Excessive panting takes more exertion than sweating and can bring your pet into respiratory distress. Pay attention and be aware of heat exhaustion in your pets. Elderly, overweight pets and those that have heart or lung issues should be kept in air-conditioned rooms. Certain breeds do not do well in the heat. For example Persian cats, pugs, Pekingese and Boston terriers cannot pant as effectively as other breeds and are more susceptible to heat stroke. Know the signs of heat stroke. The signs 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 you suspect heatstroke, treat it immediately by moving your pet into the shade or air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck, and chest and run cool, but not ice cold, water over your pet. Let them drink small amounts of cool water and take them directly to a veterinarian.Related: Best Gifts For Pets In DFW