Humidity can make summers feel like they dray on forever. While Odessa, FL pets are no strangers to it, humidity can add an extra challenge to pet care. Caring Paws Animal Hospital is here, though, to help our pet owners understand how to best help their pets in the Florida humidity.

How Our Humid Climate Affects Pets

The hot temperatures this time of year can be dangerous for dogs and cats. Heat stroke is a very serious condition, and, unfortunately, is a possibility any time a pet ventures out of the air conditioning.

High humidity only compounds the effects of the heat, and makes it more difficult for pets to cool down. Panting is a pet’s primary means of exchanging heat from their body into the environment, and lowering body temperature. When humidity is high, this heat exchange is much less efficient.

Warmer pets are also much more likely to become dehydrated, compounding the issue.

Signs of heat stroke in pets can include:

• Excessive panting
• Increased salivation
• Red or discolored gums
• Tacky or sticky gums
• High body temperature (>102.5 F)
• Lethargy
• Increased heart rate
• Confusion or other mental changes
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Seizures

Signs of heat stroke always warrant emergency medical attention. Call us immediately if you think your pet might be overheating.

Pet Adaptation to the Weather

When it comes to helping our pets acclimate to the Florida humidity, it is important to do everything you can to keep them cool.

Things that you can do to help keep animals safe in this humid climate include:

• Preventing dehydration by providing access to cool, clean water at all times
• Offering a shaded retreat out of the sun
• Keeping outdoor activity restricted to the cooler parts of the day like dawn and dusk
• Choosing activities that help keep pets cool like playing in the sprinkler
• Bringing a water supply along on any outdoor expeditions
• Encouraging increased fluid intake by offering canned food or water-dense fruits and veggies (think melon chunks without the rind or cucumber)
• Keeping your pet well groomed (a healthy undercoat can insulate against the heat)

Pets who are not used to the high temperatures and humidity should not be asked to be outside for long periods of time. Even those who are used to the weather should be monitored closely.

Summer can be an enjoyable time to spend with your furry best friends, even in the heat and humidity. By understanding how these affect pets and how to help, we hope that you can avoid summer pet problems. Don't forget that we are always here to help.