dr pets
It's a tad too hot!
Pets like humans suffer from the heat too
- Published: 27/05/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Mylife
Soaring temperatures are hitting us every day, and to make matters worse, its also rather humid. Heat and humidity affect both human beings and pets much more than you might think.
Here are some simple things to take into account about heat and humidity and how they can affect your pet:
FOOD GONE BAD
We are talking about food items that contain a lot of moisture such as canned food or dishes cooked up by pet owners themselves.
Moisture in the food serves as a great breeding ground for bacteria, causing it to rot more quickly, especially if you leave it out in the open for even a relatively short period.
If your pets eat rotten food, it's very likely they will suffer from an upset stomach, will be sick and experience stomach pain.
Tips: Feed your pet with just the right amount of food for each serving so that they finish their food in a relatively short time span.
Give your pet some more if it is still hungry to avoid waste. Use this method with all types of food (processed food pellets as well) because hot weather can spoil processed pet food even though it contains very little moisture.
EXTREME THIRST
During the hot season, pets are just like humans when it comes to thirst. Pets might drink 2-3 times more than the usual amount of water. Dog breeds that are especially naughty or run about all the time will always be thirsty. Bowls of water or bottled water are prone to increased evaporation during the summer time.
Tips: Pet owners should check and refill the water bowls frequently, say 2-3 times per day in order to prevent your pooch from suffering dehydration.
THE WEATHER
The ideal temperature for dogs and cats is about 26-28C. If the barometer shoots up to 32-35C or more, then your dog or cat will exhibit Asthma-like symptoms and breathe heavily in order to cool themselves and ventilate body heat. At these temperatures they can easily suffer from heat stroke, where their body organs go into shock and they eventually die.
Tips: It's necessary to trim your pet's fur in order to help them reduce body heat. Make sure they have a cool, shady resting place with plenty of ventilation at all times.
If the outdoor temperature is over 37C, make sure they have access to the cooling effects of a fan or air-con. Avoid leaving your pet at home or in a car with little or no means of cooling them down.
About the author
- Writer: Thonglor Pet Hospital
- Position: Hospital
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