Overview
- Owners are advised to schedule walks for early morning or evening, provide constant access to fresh water, maintain ventilation, and avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.
- Older animals and short-nosed breeds face higher risk during heat waves and need closer monitoring and gentler activity.
- A low-cost tactic recommends placing well-sealed frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth in pets’ usual resting spots to create a mild, self-directed cooling area.
- Safety notes emphasize wrapping the bottles, keeping them in shaded areas, replacing them as they thaw, and treating the method as a supplement rather than a substitute for supervision or veterinary care.
- Urgent warning signs include excessive panting, lethargy, red gums, vomiting, disorientation, and difficulty moving, while cats may hide or reduce food intake when overheated.