5 Ways to Keep Your Senior Pet Cool & Safe in Summer’s Heat
During these beautiful days full of sunshine, flowers and and warm weather, it is heavenly to be basking outside! Heat and humidity, however, can quickly take their toll on senior pets, and it is mportant to protect them. Senior pets are less tolerant of heat and humidity and require closer supervision as they are more vulnerable to getting heatstroke than younger pets. This is especially true if your senior pet has heart or respiratory problems, is overweight or is a short-nosed breed. Our feline friends often don't drink enough water, and dehydration can occur more quickly for our feline friends during the summer heat.
Here are a few tips to help your golden-pet comfortable and safe:
Hydrate! Senior pets may drink less than they need, especially when they are stressed, physically impaired, nauseated, or experiencing mouth pain. Make water appealing!
Have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Cool water is best, and many dogs enjoy ice cubes in water too. Most cats prefer the fresh water fountains. If your senior pet spends alot of time outside, an indoor/ outdoor water fountain can be a wonderful source of water. Always be prepared with water if you are on the go or out for a short walk with your pet, bring a water bottle and collapsible pet bowl.
Add a little extra water. To encourage your senior pet to drink more, consider adding in wet food, or a little low sodium chicken/ beef broth to the water. The moisture content in wet food is 75-80% moisture while dry kibble is about 10% moisture.
Soak up the Shade! Be deliberate in providing cool areas for your senior pet. If you are outside shade is where you want to be
If shade is at hard to come by, set up a canopy shade covering for your pet, not only will it provide shade but some will also help protect from UV rays causing sunburn.
Ventilate: Get a summer breezes are going! Turn on a fan to provide some air flow and create good ventilation.
Washable cooling mats can help absorb some of your pet’s body heat and helpful in providing a cool spot to rest.
Water is fantastic cooling aid and will help your pet ventilate off some of that heat. Carry a portable mister or spray bottle with water to gently spritz your senior pet.
Many dogs like to swim or soak. Kiddie pools filled to a safe level are a wonderful way to cool off, but be mindful that the surface isn’t too slippery or the edges to high and difficult to get into, and that your pet is able to safely breathe.
If you live near a sandy swimming hole, gentle wading can feel good on the joints as well as be welcome cooling activity. A dog life vest with a handle on top is a must if your dog is a super swimmer or if water level is too high for the paws to safely navigate.
Take the Temperature down a couple notches: Utilize the air conditioning—When your pet was younger, they may have enjoyed being outside all the time but remember that senior pets are more sensitive to heat. Be sure your senior pet has access to an air conditioned area.
Stay out of the heat of the day and take that walk early or in the evening. Walks are important for senior dogs- not only the exercise and loosening of the muscles, but also the sensory benefits they get from smelling new areas, hearing and seeing sights and sounds. Be prepared to shorten the walk and watch closely for any signs of distress. Bringing them back into a cool environment is key after that hot walk.
Look for ways to dress your senior pet that will provide a cooling effect. Moisten a bandana and place it in the freezer for a few minutes & loosely wrap it around your pet’s neck, or you can purchase cooling bandana too. Cooling vests for dogs are also helpful and some reflect heat.
Serve cold treats and / or add ice to your senior pet’s water.
Trim your senior dog’s fur, but shave down your dog. A dog’s fur coat acts as insulation keeping them cool in the summer and warm in winter. Their coat also protect their skin from direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn.
Watch for Warning Signs of Dehydration and Heat Stroke. Senior pets are less tolerant of heat and humidity and more vulnerable to getting dehydration and heatstroke than their younger counterparts.
Dehydration: If your senior pet has other health issues or concerns, such as vomitting, diarrhea, heart or respiratory problems, these issues can all contribute to dehydration. To see if your senior pet is dehydrated, feel the gums, they should be moist, not tacky and a healthy pink color (not bright read, white or blue). You can also pick your senior pet’s skin and gently pull it away from the body (most commonly checked in between the shoulder blades), the skin should bounce back instead of staying up.
Heat Stroke: Familiarize yourself with what to watch for. Panting is often the first sign, which increases as heatstroke progresses. Also watch for: Drooling and excessive salivating, agitation and generalized restlessness. Monitor the gum coloration and coloration of the tongue, a bright red color or very pale color can be a sign of heat stroke. Difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, vomitting and diarrhea are also signs of heat stroke. If you notice these signs, bring your pet inside, cool them off with a fan, cool water, etc, and contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency center.
Senior pet are truly special…and they require special care!
Palliative care and hospice veterinarians are specially trained in helping with senior pet care. Palliative care veterinarians are a compassionate group of veterinarians that will help you and your family navigate the intricacies of aging gracefully, so you and your pet make the most of each day!