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June 27, 2007
 What do you, a bag of peas, and a frozen water bottle have in common? Together you can be your pet’s best bet for beating summer heat! When summer gets busy and the fun starts, it’s easy to forget how quickly animals are hurt by heat or direct sunlight even when it is not particularly hot.
COOL WATER & THE MOAT FLOAT. Pets need plenty of cool water, but keeping water cool all day long can be a challenge. Simply place a frozen water bottle in your pet’s water bowl or bucket. If a bobbing bottle keeps your pet away from her water bowl, use a heavier juice jug and place it in the middle of a bigger bowl; the water “moat” around the jug will stay cool. To keep water replenished, poke holes in the bottle or jug so the frozen water inside melts into the bowl.
CARS, PARKED & MOVING. Obviously, do not leave your pet (or child) in a hot car. Even when it’s 70 degrees, the inside of a car can heat up quickly. And while your car is on the go, even though your dog loves to stick his head out the windows, it’s dangerous: cars kick up rocks all the time, and other cars and trucks could have something sticking out or flapping that could hit your dog. It’s nearly impossible to react quickly enough. When driving, keep your windows up enough so your dog (or kid) can’t lean out. There are also some excellent seatbelt harnesses for dogs.
WATCH FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION. If your pet shows early signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy panting and abnormal resting, use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to cool neck and feet. Water mixed with rubbing alcohol applied to stomachs and feet can help to cool pets as well.
Dr. Richard Smollin of the Winnetka, California, Animal Clinic says that people are well informed and generally take care of their animals in the heat. Dr. Smollin warns, “But if an animal suffers from heatstroke, get it to the vet immediately. If an animal’s temperature remains high you risk organ failure and brain damage.” Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, disorientation, difficulty with motor skills, and unconsciousness. Beware: heatstroke continues to damage organs even after you cool down your pet and he behaves normally, so be sure to seek medical help right away.
PET FIRST AID. There are a number of excellent books on pet first aid for dogs and cats, including the American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR. Tab the sections you will most likely use, and keep it handy over the summer months of heat and added activity.
RODENTS LIKE IT COOL. Rodents are sensitive to heat. Their enclosures must be kept below 75 degrees. Put bags of frozen peas under sections of your rodent’s enclosure to give it a cool surface to stretch out on. Also, place a frozen bottle of water in its cage (be sure the bottle won’t leak), so your little pet can collect its bedding next to the cool bottle.
Don’t forget your fish! Water in direct sunlight can get too hot, so move your finned friends away from any window that will give direct sunlight at any point of the day. Do not add frozen items to your aquarium water; the extreme temperature difference can be harmful to your fish.
These simple ideas to keep pets cool will give the entire family peace of mind. And if it gets really hot, you and your dog can do a little bonding around a bag of frozen peas.
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