Summertime weather can be too hot to handle for many animals. A dog’s body follows a complex process to cool down.  The only part of a dog that actually “sweats” are the footpads.  When you compare the size of the pads to the size of a dog, you realize this very small area has a big job to do.  To compensate, panting provides another outlet for a dog’s body heat.  And size wise, the mouth, nasal cavity and tongue of a dog cover a large area.  This makes panting a more efficient evaporative method of cooling down the dog. Here are several ways to keep dogs and cats comfortable as the thermometer climbs:

• Expect your dog’s activity level to decrease as the temperature increases.  A combination of high humidity and heat create an especially dangerous duo.  Never leave a dog or cat in a confined, unventilated space.  When heat and humidity combine, make sure your pets are in a spot where there are moving air currents (either a natural breeze or a fan).

• Make sure your dog has a cool and comfortable spot to rest throughout the day and night.  Inside dogs should have access to cool, well ventilated areas of the house.  Dogs spending large amounts of time out of doors need lots of shady and breezy areas at all times of the day.

• Your pet’s appetite may decrease in the warm weather.  Consider dividing your pet’s usual portion of food into two smaller serving sizes and feed twice day instead of once a day.

• Always provide plenty of clean, fresh water.  If you are leaving your dog for a longer than normal period of time on a hot day, leave several bowls of water.

• During the summer, exercise your dog either during the early morning hours or evening hours when it is cooler.  When heat and humidity are high, cease all exercise activity.

• Take extra care with certain pets that are at more of a disadvantage in the summer time.  Dogs with long fur tend not to fare as well as shorter fur.  Dogs with short or contorted faces and nasal cavities (such as bull dogs and pugs) have an especially difficult time because of their limited ability to pant.  Cats with short faces like Persians also have a harder time staying cool. Pets with either a respiratory or heart problem are at increased risk for heatstroke.  And overweight pets have a more difficult time keeping their bodies cooled down.

• Cats love to stay cool in the warm weather.  Cats also do not have sweat glands but cool off in a manner different than dogs.  Cats lick themselves to spread moisture over their body.  As it evaporates, it carries away some body heat.  Fans can help accelerate this process.

• Unlike dogs, cats do not pant to cool down.  If your cat is panting, he is either stressed out or seriously overheated.  Get the animal to a cooler spot, moisten its fur with cool water or wrap the cat in a wet towel and place him or her in front of a fan.  Cool water on the foot pads may also help.  Contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Cats are often drawn to open windows during the summer months.  Make sure all screens are secured and that screening is not worn out or coming loose from the frame.  A broken or insecure screen could result in your cat falling from the window and being seriously injured.

• Especially at risk for heatstroke are animals trapped inside of hot cars.  Never leave a dog or cat in a parked vehicle during the hot, summer months.  Even on a cloudy day, or for just a few moments, a car can heat up like a furnace in a matter of minutes.  Tragedy often results for the animal who suffers a horrendous death and for their human companion who may be charged with a criminal act of cruelty to animals.

Use caution and common sense to prevent possible problems related to summer weather.  After all, prevention will allow you and your pet to enjoy this delightful season.  If you have any concerns about your animal’s health, please consult with your veterinarian.