Scalding, sweaty summer heat affects your pets just as much as it does you

A month of wild weather in May was quickly replaced by a major heat wave across most of Arizona. Pets suffer from the heat in much the same way their humans do. They aren’t able to sweat the way that we do and so the heat can affect them more quickly in some ways. It’s our job to protect them from the heat and keep them safe and cool.

We all know to never leave our pets in the car, not even in the cooler temps of the morning or evening. Your furry friends are safer at home during these summer months.

If you are planning to take them on their morning walks or to the park, or out to hike to burn off some energy, you need to be extra careful of the temperatures. The City of Phoenix has banned dogs from walking and hiking trails now that it’s over 100 degrees in the Valley. Walking your dog on the asphalt can burn their paws too. If you’re planning on a walk, head out before temperatures reach 90 degrees because the ground heats quickly and their bodies can’t take the heat. Be sure to take cool water with you on your shorter walk or dog park visit.

Make sure they have plenty of shade and access to water and food. Most apartment dwellers don’t leave their pets outside. Those in rented homes may, and they need to be especially careful as pet owners. Your dogs and cats need access to shade and lots of water. When possible, you should add ice to the water to keep it cool and add extra bowls of water around the home to encourage a cool drink.

Watch for signs of heat stress. Your pet may experience heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting or other cues of heat stress. Learn more about how to address overheating from the local Humane Society.

Some apartment and rental home dwellers have indoor/outdoor cats. They need cool water too and some cats may need sunscreen if they are outside in the sun. Cats can also suffer from heatstroke and they exhibit similar symptoms. If your cat stays inside during the day and the temperature inside gets warm, turn on a fan so your animal can keep cool.

Every year, the Humane Society and animal care organizations field calls from concerned pet owners who wanted to exercise their fur friends. It’s hard to see our pets cooped up inside in the summer months, but often it’s for their own safety and we can find other ways of exhausting them inside with play. A trip to the beautiful northern parts of Arizona can provide a welcome relief from the heat and an opportunity for safe, cooler, outdoor play.

Courtney Gilstrap Levinus is interim president and CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association.