Thrive Pet Healthcare Shares Vital Advice for Keeping Dogs Safe in Extreme Temperatures
AUSTIN, Texas – June 18, 2024 – With an intense heatwave forecasted to hit central and northeastern parts of the country this week, dog owners are urged to take extra precautions to protect their pets from the rising temperatures. Forecasters predict these unusually high temperatures will persist throughout the summer, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses in dogs.
Thrive Pet Healthcare, a leading veterinary service community with more than 380 locations across 37 states, offers essential tips to help dog owners safely exercise their dog during higher temperatures.
“Dogs are more temperature-sensitive than humans, and their ability to regulate their body temperature is limited,” said Dr. Anthony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Vice President of Emergency Medicine. “As a general rule, you shouldn’t walk or exercise your dog outdoors when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs, bulldogs and Boston terriers are more prone to heat exhaustion and should be exercised indoors when the outside temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The more humid the environment the sooner you should consider restricting outdoor activities.”
To ensure the safety and comfort of dogs during hot weather, Thrive Pet Healthcare recommends the following tips for dog owners:
See your veterinarian for a checkup. Regular checkups can help identify potential health issues that may affect your dog’s ability to withstand higher temperatures. Underlying health conditions that may contribute to heatstroke include heart disease, respiratory conditions, obesity, diabetes and age-related vulnerabilities.
Check the pavement temperature. Before walking your dog, place your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Exercise outdoors during the cooler part of the day. Temperatures are typically lower during the early morning and evenings. Avoid outdoor activities during midday, when your dog is most at risk of overheating.
Keep walks slow and brief (5-10 minutes maximum). Running may put your dog at risk of heat stroke. Keep walks slow and brief. Use caution when walking senior dogs and those with underlying illnesses, as they can be more vulnerable to heat stress.
Stay hydrated. Bring bottled water and a travel water bowl on your walk to keep your dog hydrated and stop regularly for water breaks.
Seek shade. Choose shady places to walk, out of the direct sunlight, like wooded areas or tree-lined streets.
Consider indoor doggy daycare or play groups. If your dog enjoys playing with other dogs, enrolling them in an indoor doggy daycare or joining an indoor play group can be a fun and safe option.
Explore indoor options for exercise. Participate in indoor dog training classes or visit dog-friendly, air-conditioned locations. For dog owners who prefer to exercise their pets from the comfort of their home, Thrive Pet Healthcare provides a
list of indoor exercise ideas.
Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke in Dogs
In severe cases, seizures, bloody diarrhea, frequent vomiting, unresponsiveness, and even death may occur.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress or stroke, then you can help them by slowly cooling them down with lukewarm water from a hose. Focus on their belly and inner surfaces of their groin and armpits.
“Heat related emergencies can sneak up on dog owners,” said Dr. Coronado. “By the time the warning signs become obvious, it’s a life-threatening situation. Don’t wait. Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately for treatment to prevent organ shutdown and other severe complications.”
To find a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent, and emergency veterinary care services, visit
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service community that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
