Most people stay inside until things cool off, but not everyone thinks about their “outside” pets when there is a significant heat wave.
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If you looked at temperatures across the state this past week, you would have noticed a significant heatwave baring down on South Texas. In the San Antonio area, temperatures soared into the 100s – well past the point of comfort and well into the danger zone, especially for seniors, children and pets.
Most people stay inside until things cool off when the weather gets this bad. But not everyone thinks about their “outside” pets when there is a significant heat wave. Often, pet owners believe that because an animal is an “outside” animal, they will adjust to the temperature changes. But every animal seeks shade in the heat. Take a drive in the country and you will see a dozen cows in a pasture vying for shade under one lone tree.
Yes, you can provide an outdoor pet with access to cool water, shelter from the sun, and a baby pool with water to splash around in. But none of these things alone or together will protect your pets from the intense heat we have seen this week. Instead, the cold water you put in the bowl and baby pool will be too hot to drink or get into within about 10 minutes. A dog suffering in the heat is smart enough to know not to drink hot water.
All this is to say that your outside pet is at severe risk of overheating – and dying – in this weather. While you are inside your comfortable, air-conditioned home, they will be outside suffering in the unbearable heat. They don’t sweat, like humans do, so they will pant and drool to try to cool off. But their fur-covered bodies won’t be able to compensate. Senior pets, sick or injured pets, recently operated on pets, and puppies and kittens are especially susceptible to heatstroke.
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