Pet Safety - Heat Warning

Hi neighbors, it’s heating up in Florida! As we continue helping your pet live its Best Life in 2023, pet safety is par for the course. Taking care of your pet in the heat is at the top of the safety list, especially for dogs in Florida. 

Age/Breeds Impacted

As a mom to rescue pugs, it’s known that brachycephalic breeds should not be under exertion in high temperatures for long periods of time. Below is a table that helps you know when to head back inside, controlling for age, breed, and if water and shade are available. 

https://www.dogtipper.com/heat-stroke-in-dogs

What to Do to Exercise Your Dog: Try to keep walks brisk and schedule them to earlier or later in the day. Always keep water handy, stay in the shade if possible, and alternate indoor play and outdoor play. Depending on how high the temperatures are, your dog's age and breed, a quick outside potty break and back inside to play is the safest bet. 

Below are signs of overheating:

• Heavy panting and difficulty breathing

• Excessively drooling

• The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated

• Collapsed or vomiting

What to do if you suspect overheating:

Call the emergency vet right away. You will need to cool your pup and gently wet them with room temperature or tepid water. Do NOT give them ice or add ice to the water. Offer your pup some water, but don't force it. Load them up while wet and head to the emergency vet. 

Asphalt Warning:

We use this test a lot at Tallahassee Lassie with our dog walkers. We prefer to avoid asphalt all together, but if we must cross the road, use the hand test for 5 full seconds. Even then, shuffle your dog to the nearest coolest surface. Please keep in mind that humidity will impact heat and will actually bring the heat of  the asphalt down, but we cannot always guarantee humidity will be enough. 

What to do:

If your dog receives a paw burn, this is an emergency and should be treated as such. Even the lowest degree burn can become infected at a rapid pace. Call your nearest vet or emergency vet. 

This can all sound scary to new pet parents or pets who have dogs that require more stimulation and exercise than most. But don’t  feel overwhelmed! There are steps to take to ensure your pet still receives proper levels of stimulation and exercise. Keeping strenuous exercise to morning and night, having shaded areas and water for the day time, knowing your dog and knowing the signs, and allowing your dog to play indoors can all help guarantee they are living their best lives.