For the first year of his life, my miniature schnauzer, Earle, was a Manhattan resident, and that year included one very long, hot summer. My fiancé and I lived on the top floor of a four-story walk-up, and each morning Earle and I would make our way down the stairs and outside into the smoldering sun. Most days, we were lucky enough to catch at least two or three doormen hosing down the pavement in front of their buildings. These kind gentlemen were always more than willing to take a quick break to let Earle play in and drink up the water. Other days were not so easy. During weekend walks to Central Park, there was often not a doorman with a hose or a sprinkler on-site. Regardless, we always carried an aluminum bowl and a large bottle of water everywhere with us that summer, stopping frequently in the shade so Earle could rest and drink. On unusually hot and humid days, we wouldn’t even risk leaving the comfort of our air-conditioned apartment.
Animals, unlike humans, are more limited in their ability to bring their body temperature down. Dogs and cats both cool themselves mainly by panting through their mouths and sweating through their paws. If you’re like me, you find your pet gloriously lovable and you want to know exactly what to do to keep him safe in the summer heat. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “The May–July period was the warmest on record for the Northeast and Southeast climate regions.” This means that if we choose to take our pets outside, we must make sure they’re not getting too hot.
Signs of Stress
Animals will display certain clear physical signs when they’ve had enough of the warm weather. Some of these signs may include excessive panting; eyes that appear listless or glazed; overall weakness; rapid heartbeat; vomiting and/or diarrhea; excessive drooling; and gums that look dark red, purple, or blue. Some genetic or physical factors put certain animals more at risk than others. Breeds with short or smooshed noses or longer hair or fur may have a more difficult time cooling off. Short-faced cat breeds, such as the Persian, and dog breeds such as the Boston terrier, which have Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (a partial upper-airway obstruction caused by having a short head), may have a harder time breathing even in normal temperatures and may require special attention in warm weather. Elderly animals, animals that are overweight, and pregnant animals may also be more susceptible to overheating.
Keeping Kitty Cool
Help your cat relax. This means keeping the catnip in the cupboard and refraining from encouraging extended play sessions with her favorite toy. The more active an animal, the more vulnerable to heat exhaustion she becomes.
Place a towel or sheet over the piece of furniture on which she usually lies. These fabrics act as a cooling barrier from standard upholstery, which tends to hold heat in more. Encourage her to lie on the bathroom or kitchen floor. Marble, tile, and wood surfaces are usually substantially cooler than carpets or rugs. Also, many cats enjoy getting inside sinks and bathtubs; turn the water on to a very minimal drip so that they can have constant access to fresh water. A dark, cold basement is also a great place for your cat to hang out during particularly hot days. If you feel neglectful leaving your cat alone in a dark basement for extended periods, make a cozy spot for her and leave a light on.
Place fans around the house to keep the air circulating and to provide a breeze. If you have ceiling fans, keep them turned on. Maintaining constant air circulation makes a big difference.
Be sure to keep her well-groomed during the summer. Fewer mattes and snarls mean more air can easily pass through her coat.
