Senior Pet Care Tips For Summer

As you’ve probably noticed, summer can get pretty hot around these parts. That scorching Louisiana weather can be very hard on pets, particularly those that are in their golden years. If you have an older dog or cat, you’ll want to take some extra precautions to keep your furry friend comfy and safe. A New Orleans, LA vet discusses caring for your four-legged retiree in summer below.

Dogs

Paw care is always a hot topic—literally—for our canine companions at this time of year. Dogs easily get burns on their delicate toe beans from walking on hot ground! Keep Fido on soft ground as much as possible, and use paw balm to protect his feet. Schedule is another thing to consider. Try to walk and play with Fido in the mornings and evenings, when it’s cooler. Grooming is also key at this time of year, and can go a long way towards helping your canine buddy beat the heat. If a summer trim isn’t a good option because of your pup’s fur type, consider getting your pup a cooling vest. It’s also worth noting that safe swimming can be great for older dogs. Ask your vet for advice.

Cats

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t really in danger of overheating when they run or play: they just stop when they get tired. They’ll also naturally adjust their own schedules. However, that doesn’t mean they are out of danger. Hot weather is very dangerous for kitties! They really don’t have many ways to cool off if they get too hot. Brushing your feline pal will help keep her cooler. Fluffy will also appreciate having a cool, comfy bed to sprawl out on.

General

Whether you have a dog, a cat, or both, the biggest thing is to make sure that your furry bff always has access to shade and cool, clean water. Many pets actually prefer to drink from fountains, so you may want to consider getting a pet fountain. It’s also important to watch for signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Some of these include panting, drooling, lethargy, elevated pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, and disorientation. If you notice any of these, immediately give your pet water, get them to a cool area, and call your vet. Parasite control is also very important. Call us, your New Orleans, LA animal clinic, today. We’re dedicated to providing top-quality veterinary care!