Dr. Aziza Glass shares insight into heat related issues for dogs

As veterinarian expert for Freshpet, Dr. Aziza Glass understands dogs and their needs. And she shared with us some insights into heat related issues our pets face during the summer, including what to look out for and how to handle overheating.

If there is one thing we tend to focus on the most during the summer, it is the potential for overheating and having heatstroke. This is something that both humans and animals have to contend with when it gets overly hot outside. However, our dogs can’t tell us when they are getting too hot. So we need to be paying attention to them and their needs.

While we have absolutely covered heatstroke and ways to keep our dogs cool and comfortable during the summer, having the ability to ask Dr. Glass a few questions made all the difference. this was our opportunity to clarify a few things from an expert. So what did Dr. Aziza Glass have to tell us about heatstroke, preventing overheating, and keeping our dogs cool?

Freshpet’s veterinary expert, Dr. Aziza Glass talks summer heat and keeping our dogs cool

What are some signs of heatstroke that we should be mindful of in dogs?

"If you notice symptoms including red gums, vomiting, panting, drooling, drunken walk/gait or lethargy in your dog, immediately bring them to shade and use cool water because heat stroke is imminent."

Are the signs of heatstroke in cats the same as they would be with our dogs?

"Yes, many of the signs of heatstroke in cats is the same as dogs. However, in addition you may also see restlessness, sweaty feet, excessive grooming, and seizures."

How can we prevent our dogs from overheating during the summer?

"Thorough grooming: Keeping a coat of long or short fur well-groomed helps pets maintain a suitable body temperature, even in the summer heat.Limit outdoor time: Dogs don’t sweat the same way humans do to regulate heat, so keep them under shade and have periods of inactivity to keep them cool. Avoid playtime or walks at the hottest part of the day. Instead, enjoy the outdoors in the morning or late afternoon/evenings."

Any suggestions for keeping dogs cool in homes that have no AC?

"Water soak solution: Soaking a towel with room temperature water to wipe down your dog will gently start the cooling process and help prevent heat strokes.Stay hydrated: Providing lots of clean, fresh water and feeding your dog moisture rich fresh foods like Freshpet balanced nutrition chicken recipe will ensure stable levels of hydration and protein intake. Did you know pets actually need to drink three times more when they eat dry food as compared to Freshpet?"

We love getting advice from a professional when it comes to taking care of our pets, and especially when we are talking about something dangerous like heatstroke, and overheating, we want to make sure that we are doing the right things to protect our dogs. And we really appreciate the fact that Dr. Aziza Glass took the time to answer our questions, and give us plenty of advice this summer.