Atlanta Summers and Pets Don’t Always Mix
Atlanta’s charm extends far beyond its friendly people and delicious peaches. But, along with the sunshine comes a not-so-charming reality: scorching spring and summer temperatures. While we may break out the swimsuits and fire up the grill, our furry and feathered friends can struggle when temperatures reach all-time highs. Today, we’re discussing how Atlanta’s high summer temperatures affect pets and what you can do to keep them cool and safe. Here’s how we recommend you go about Keeping Your Pets Cool in Atlanta’s Scorching Heat!
When Heat Becomes Dangerous
While heat can prove very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for humans, pets are more susceptible to heat-related injury than we are.
Because birds, cats, dogs, and small animals don’t sweat, they have evolved to cool themselves off in other ways including panting. Yet, their ability to cool off is not as efficient as ours, therefore, heat affects our pets more quickly and more severely.
Following are three of the most common ways in which pets are affected by high temperatures:
- Overheating: As stated, pets are more prone to overheating, which can lead to heatstroke, a serious and potentially fatal condition
- Paw Pad Pain: Asphalt and concrete can get scorching hot, burning delicate paws
- Dehydration: Pets lose fluids quickly in hot weather, making dehydration a major risk
Heat Injury Prevention
Heat injury prevention is one of the most important considerations pet parents should take during spring and summer in Atlanta. Most pets that suffer from heat stroke, or worse, experience preventable heat injury, which is why we’re sharing the top five ways to make prevention your priority:
- Never Leave Pets in Cars: First and foremost, leaving a pet in a vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Even with the windows cracked, car interiors can heat up rapidly, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke
- Mind Cages & Crates: Caged or crated pets should never be placed in direct sun or kept in garages. Always place cages and crates where there is shade and ample air flow
- Prioritize Hydration: Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, cool water. Consider adding ice cubes to their bowl for an extra chill
- Beat the Sun: Limit walks to early mornings or evenings when the sun isn’t at its peak. Stick to shady areas during walks and shorten walks if the temperatures are at an all-time high
- Cool Down: Create cool zones in tiled rooms with air conditioning, fans, and fresh water. Provide a kiddie pool or damp towels for lounging if your space allows for it
- Leverage Your Freezer: Freeze some treats or toys for your pet to lick or play with. This is a great way to keep them cool while providing enrichment during the hottest of days
Additional Considerations
Some pets are even more susceptible to heat-related injury than others. If your pet falls into one of the following categories, please be extra vigilant this time of year:
- Breed-Specific: Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like pugs and bulldogs
- Fur & Hair-Specific: For pets with thick fur, a summer trim can help them stay cooler. Ask your veterinarian or groomer for advice on summer-appropriate grooming styles for your pet’s breed.
- Health-Specific: Geriatric, ill, and overweight animals can be more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Be very cautious with pets that have existing health conditions or are taking medications that may make them less tolerant to heat.
- Diet-Specific: Cats and dogs that are on a kibble-only diet are likely somewhat dehydrated because they do not ingest moisture with their food. If you feed your pet kibble, consider adding bone broth or canned pumpkin to their meals for a boost to their baseline hydration
By following these tips, you can ensure your pet enjoys a safe and happy summer alongside you. Remember, Atlanta’s heat is no joke – but with a little planning and some cool treats, you can keep your furry or feathery friend comfy all season long. Next week, we’ll be sharing our tips for staying on a dog walking routine while navigating extreme heat. These insider tips are sure to make for your canine companions’ best summer yet.
If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced, and loving pet care provider, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with Buckhead Pet Pals today and let us help you meet your pets’ needs. We serve Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Midtown, and West Midtown Atlanta.
Existing clients, please request services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.