Humans aren’t the only creatures who have to stay safe in the summer sun - Fluffy and Fido do, also. Here are ways to make sure your cats and dogs stay cool, comfortable and safe during hot days:

• Make Sure They Have Plenty Of Water - Water is essential for animals, so make sure they have plenty of fresh water nearby. If they’re both indoor and outdoor pets, make sure water is available in both places. If the water dish is outdoors, move it to a cool, shady place so it doesn’t get hot.
• Add Ice To Their Water Dish - Cool down their water further by adding ice to their dishes - it will assure cold, fresh water for the rest of the day. Many pets also like to play with or chew the ice.
• Freeze Bottles Of Water - Fill old two- or three-liter bottles soda bottles with water (only 3/4 full to leave room for expansion) and freeze. When the bottles are frozen, wrap them in a towel and put them by your pet’s favorite resting spot. He or she will likely cozy up to the cold relief.
• Bring Them For A Summer Shave - If you have a furry cat or dog, bring them to the groomer for a summer shave to help them cool. However, beware that animals also do get sunburn, so ask about a sunscreen for your pets.
• Keep Them In A Cool, Ventilated Room - Let them stay in a cool room in the house, either with windows open, the air conditioner cranking or fans blowing. If you have fans, putting them at the pet’s level will offer optimal relief. Just be careful with animals and A/C; if the power goes out and you’re not home, your dog or cat may be stuck in a hot room with no ventilation.
• Make Sure They Have Shade Outside - If your pets are outdoor pets, make sure they have a a shady, cool place to stay outside, like a dog or cat house.
• Never Leave Them In The Car - Never, ever leave your pets in a car, even for a few minutes with the windows open. Cars heat up very quickly in the sun, and since they’re smaller than humans, they can easily die in the heat.
• Limit Their Outside Time - Limit your pets’ outside time during the day, or only allow them out in the early morning or late evening when the sun and heat isn’t as strong.
• Be Careful In The Sun - As mentioned above, pets are also susceptible to sunburn. And if you’re walking them, make sure the pavement or asphalt isn’t hot - if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog or cat and may burn their delicate paws. Have them walk on cool grass or dirt.
• Watch For Signs Of Heat Exhaustion And Dehydration - According to the ASPCA, signs include: loud, rapid panting; rapid pulse; glazed eyes; excessive salivation; elevated body temperature; excessive whining; excessive agitation; staring; vomiting; and white or bluish gums. Not all of these symptoms must be present. If you suspect your dog or cat is suffering from heat exhaustion, cool them down with wet towels, and immediately bring them to the vet’s office.

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