It’s tough to keep Fifi and Fido cool in the summer months because they’re blanketed with a heavy layer of fur, insulating their body. The insulation helps in the winter, but can contribute to overheating in the summer. All pets can suffer from deadly heat stroke from extreme heat and/or humidity. Here are a few tips to remember:

1. Provide plenty of water throughout the day.
2. If you have a cold-climate breed, such as a Siberian Husky, leave the A/C on when you aren’t home. These breeds have lower tolerance for heat than other breeds of dogs.
3. Some dogs have difficulty breathing in high humidity or heat. If you have a deep-chested dog, such as a St. Bernard or German Shepherd, or a short-muzzled dog, such as a Boxer or Pug, it may need special attention in the heat. Keep the dog out of the heat and in A/C if possible.
4. If you can not keep your dog inside, make sure he has access to shade. A dog house does not provide adequate shade, as the interior quickly becomes overheated. Air-flow is necessary in keeping cool.
5. Refrigerate or throw out uneaten moist food after 50 minutes to prevent spoilage.
6. Spray your dog or cat lightly with a water-filled spritzer bottle on the abdomen and paws and provide a damp towel on which your pet can rest. Some dogs love to lick ice cubes in hot weather which cools their body as well.
7. Use fans and allow your pet access to your basement, if you have one.
8. Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting; elevated body temperatures; bright red gums; barking or frantically pawing at windows, doors or cage openings; staggering; drooling or weakness. Heatstroke is life-threatening; here’s what you can do.
   1. SLOWLY lower your pet into a tub of slightly warm water or pouring warm water over their body. DON’T use ice cold water as it will shock the animal’s system.
   2. Wrap the pet’s body in wet towels. Do not wring out the towels.
   3. RUSH your pet to the veterinarian immediately.