PEACEAnimals: Dog and Cat Safety Tips for Summer Clare Leach - PEACEAnimals
May 15, 2023

Those of us who live or visit the Bay of Banderas know the winter weather here is nearly perfect from late October to middle or late May. The humidity is low, the sun shines every day and temperatures are delightful. In the last week, the heat has risen, and the humidity is back. And that’s when it starts to get dangerous for both our pets and the street dogs and cats here in the Bay.

Street dogs start to search for shade and need fresh water. Many businesses here put fresh dog bowls with water in front of their stores or restaurants. It would be nice if more would. Also, I plan this summer to leave some fresh water down behind our building for wandering dogs and cats.

I already notice avid runners with dogs at their sides panting with tongues hanging out. They are running on the beach and on the sidewalks. Just remember sand and pavement can burn their feet. The Humane Society suggests walking only in the early morning and late in the day. Dogs don’t sweat like humans through the skin but rather rely on panting and releasing heat through their paws and noses. So hot sand or pavement interferes with their ability to cool off. Imagine wearing a fur coat in hot humid weather, that’s what your dog is doing.

Cats cool off differently. Cats lick their coats to cool down which is why cats groom more in the summer. When saliva evaporates from your cat’s fur, it provides a cooling effect. This is more like human sweating. Cats need extra water in the summer too. Any temperature over 100 F or 38 C is too hot for cats. Cats have sensitive paw pads like dogs and pavement and artificial grass can get searingly hot in the summer and can cause burns and blisters. I read that if the temperature outside is 90 F or 32.2 C will make the pavement 125 F or 51.6 C. None of us would want to walk on the pavement in bare feet!

Remember here and in the States NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG in the car even for a few minutes. Some people think having the windows open in a car in the summer makes it safe for dogs to be in the car. When the air temperature is 80 degrees or 26.6 C a parked car with windows open can heat up to 123 F or 50.5 C and after 60 minutes it can reach 143 F or 61.6 C. Heat can kill an animal quickly.

Don’t forget flea, tick and heartworm treatments. If you see an animal left on a rooftop or tied in the sun or any other abuse dial 911 for Green Patrol here in Vallarta.

Related: How Public Heat Warnings Can Prevent Deaths in Mexico (Inter Press Service)

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