Keeping Pets cool during the Summer heat

Did you know that dogs do not have the same ability to cool themselves down as humans? Our bodies sweat to cool us off, a dog’s pant is all they can do to release heat to stay cool. We spoke with a local veterinarian to learn how you can keep your pets cool during hot temperatures.

Record-breaking temperatures and heat advisories have had Meridian residents trying to keep cool. Experts warn that the heat is not only just a danger to people but also to their furry family members.

Veterinarian Alison Moore says, "Make sure that they have plenty of water. And if they're inside, then the air conditioner will have that covered. But if they're outside make sure they have shade and plenty of cool water, if you can add some ice to it, that'll help keep it cooled or just change it several times a day will help you try to keep them hydrated rather well."

Moore says just as we get heat strokes and heat exhaustion so do our pets and says these are signs or symptoms to watch out for.

"Excessive panting would be one lethargy where they don't get up and play. They can go into a heat stroke rather quickly. And those dogs will definitely become recumbent. Are there down where they can't get up and they're just hyperventilating more or less. And so those dogs need immediate emergency care." she said.

Most people are tempted to take their pets out for a car ride but Moore says it is not recommended to do this time of year.

"Leave the car running. Preferably. Don't take them with you. If you can help it, leave them at home where they can stay in the air conditioner."

She says if the area where your pet is housed outdoors has cement it may be too hot for them and you should find a way to cool it down for them.

"Have some form of way of covering that with artificial turf or putting some dirt on top of it to try and cool it off because it will burn their pads when they're walking on it," said Moore.