PEACEAnimals on Keeping Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather Clare Leach - PEACEAnimals
September 6, 2022

Labor Day signifies the coming of fall in the US and Canada, but not here in Vallarta. It feels like a steam bath when we walk out our door.

As we drove to town recently, I saw owners running on the skinny sidewalk with their dogs in tow on highway 200 to Barra de Navidad near Conchas Chinas. This was the heat of the around 2 PM and the dogs had their tongues out as far as they could go. Sweat glistening off the owner's faces. Worried about these dogs panting so heavily I looked up tips to keep your dogs safe in heat and high humidity.

Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, says, "Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels very quickly.

The Humane Society says, adjust your exercise in accordance with temperature and go in the early morning or late in the day. Also remember that dogs or cats with white-colored ears are susceptible to skin cancer.

Another tip is to test the heat on the surface you are walking them. Pavement gets very hot and can burn their feet. Try to walk them on grass when possible. Always carry water for your pet even if you think you won't be gone long. Don't tie them outside of buildings while you go shopping.



If your dog gets too hot or shows signs of heatstroke it can be an emergency. Signs of heatstroke are frantic panting, bright-red membranes and labored breathing. The breeds most likely to suffer heat stroke might surprise you: they are Chow Chow, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Greyhound, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Pug and Golden Retriever.

Many dogs die of heatstroke because prolonged heat shuts down their kidneys and other organs. If you think your dog has heatstroke:

1. Move the dog to a cool area.
2. Immediately pour cool (not cold, to avoid shock) water over the dog.
3. Place wet towels over the dog may worsen the condition, trapping the heat.
4. Allow the dog to drink only small amounts of cool water.

Always remember, if you are hot, your dog is hot; if you are cold, your pet is cold. Please never leave a pet unattended on a roof, in a car or tied up.

Related: PEACEAnimals Announces Free Pet Spay/Neuter Campaign (Vallarta Lifestyles)

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