OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As much of the world swelters, it’s not just people who need help with the dog days of summer.
Pet owners have to consider how to both shield and cool down furry family members during intense heat waves.
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“It’s really important to remember that if it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pets,” says Dr. Sandra Faeh, American Veterinary Medical Association president. A dog’s breed, weight and chronic health issues also matter. “There’s not one specific temperature that we can say, ‘this is the right temperature to go outside,’ because they’re all different.”
It’ll be hot for people and pets this weekend and we’re also looking at periods of heavy rain with localized flooding. More safety tips for man and woman’s best friend. But first, check out the weekend forecast that will have you and your pet panting.
Ocala Forecast
Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the National Weather Service.
Today: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. High near 92. Heat index values as high as 106. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 92. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
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Keeping pets cool
In the U.S, over 180 million people, or 63% of households, have at least one pet, according to an American Pet Products Association report.
So, with triple digit temps how do we keep our pets cool and safe from the impact of the hot, humid weather?
Simple safety steps for your pets
Of course, the surest strategy against high temperatures is to take pets out in the morning and evening, Faeh advises. If you must take them out during the day, be quick and stick to shade, grass and dirt. Pavement can be a scorcher on paws.
“We often think that their paws are thicker, they’re not as susceptible to the heat, but they are. They can blister, they can hurt,” Faeh said.
Faeh says dog booties made with a thick fabric can help with hot surfaces. Dogs just need time to get the hang of walking in them.
Pets can also suffer sunburns, which can manifest as lighter pigment on the nose, or around the face on short-hair breeds. Veterinarians can prescribe special sunscreen.
Providing relief even after brief sun exposure is as important as sun protection. Cooling mats and small fans can help. And besides giving dogs water, you can wet their bodies with cool water. But not too cold, Faeh warns.
“If they get cold too quickly, their vessels constrict and then they have a harder time cooling off,” she said.
In a power blackout, Faeh suggests putting pets in a cooler part of the home like a basement or a windowless room. Keep fresh water on hand and any blinds or curtains closed.
Signs to look for if a dog is experiencing heat-related stress or heatstroke include restlessness, excessive panting, drooling and even vomiting. Cats show distress through open-mouth breathing. In any of these scenarios, contact a veterinarian immediately, Faeh advises.
Other helpful tools include cooling collars and elevated dog beds that help with airflow. You can also feed Fido chilled goodies like canine-friendly gelato, pup-sicles and ice cream mixes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.