Summer is here and so are the 90+ degree days!

When temperatures are above 90 degrees, Alexandria Pet Care modifies dog walking visits to keep your pets safe, and adds A/C checks to our pet sitting visits for cats, birds, rabbits and other indoor pets we visit.

Our visits always remain the same length in time (if you’ve chosen a 20 minute visit, your pet will have a 20 minute visit – not shorter because of the heat), and we do all we can to keep your pets comfortably cool.

Our Team’s Modifications For Heat, Heat Index, and Air Quality Caution Days:

  1. For dog walks, we will seek out shady areas and walk in the grass or the sidewalk. 
  2. We avoid asphalt (and you should too) that can be up to 150 degrees on a 90 degree day, ouch! 
  3. We will monitor your dog(s) and turn around to return home before they overheat. Early signs can include not wanting to walk, seeking shade, and light panting – but not every dog will even give us those signs.
  4. We may split a walk into two shorter walks with a break indoors to cool down in the middle of the visit. 
  5. We may go out for a potty break and short walk when we arrive, then spend time inside with brushing & belly rubs.
  6. For pet sitting visits we monitor that your air conditioning is in working order and that your home remains cool to keep your pets comfortable.

Pet Owners’ Hot Weather Pet Safety Tips

  • Give your pets plenty of fresh water (some cats and dogs love water with ice cubes!)
  • Ice cubes on the floor make good toys for both cats and dogs
  • Limit your indoor/outdoor pets to time outside only when temps are 85 and lower
  • Know if your pet is more prone to heatstroke; animals with flat faces (ex: Pugs and Persian cats) cannot pant as effectively, and pets who are older, or overweight or with any medical issues are at an increased risk.
  • Never leave pets alone in the car, even with the windows cracked the temperature inside the car can rise 20 degrees within 10 minutes. 
  • Keep all unscreened windows closed to prevent pets from jumping or falling out.
  • Limit outdoor exercise on hot or humid days to early mornings or late evening when the temps are coolest and ozone lowest. 
  • Provide indoor cooling items like a fan, a cooling mat good for cats or longer haired dogs, or cooling dog harness (best for short haired dogs)
  • Don’t run or exercise your dog outdoors in temps of 85 or higher
  • Know the signs of heatstroke; heavy panting, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, unsteady gait, increased salivation or dry gums.

If you suspect your pet is experiencing heat-related difficulties from walking on hot surfaces, overexercising in heat, or suffering from heatstroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.