Like humans, animals are prone to overheating when the temperatures climb high. Because Montgomery Animal Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, is committed to providing the very best pet care for their patrons, they want to share some advice for keeping your pet cool during the hottest season of the year.

While summer can be dangerous for any pet, short-faced dogs are even more likely to overheat because limited air passes through their nasal area. Below, the caring animal hospital team has compiled a list of things you can do to keep your pet, especially short-faced dogs, safe and comfortable in hot weather:

• Replace Water Frequently: No matter what kind of pet you have, it’s important to be extra-diligent about replacing its water as the weather warms up. For short-faced dogs especially, having plenty of cool, fresh water can be refreshing on hot days.
• Never Leave Animals Alone in a Vehicle: Temperatures can rise dramatically during the summer, causing heat stroke and death. 

• Time Walks Strategically: For owners of all pups, the professionals at the animal hospital advise limiting walks to the cooler parts of the day such as the morning and evening hours. If your dog has to go out during the midday heat, try to keep him or her in the shade, and keep walks brief.
• Use Air Conditioning Or Other Cooling Methods: Just as it’s important to keep pets safe from the harsh temperatures during winter months, owners must also avoid keeping them out in the heat for too long. If you don’t have air conditioning in your house, consider filling a kiddie pool up outside to let your dog enjoy some supervised splashing, or invest in a cooling pad.

You can get more pet-friendly tips for the summer from Cincinnati’s leading veterinarian at your next appointment. To schedule a visit, call Montgomery Animal Hospital at (513) 791-7912, or visit their website for more information about their veterinary care services.