As a heat wave sweeps across Canada, with heat warnings issued for parts of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories, experts are urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe. Daytime temperatures in some areas could reach 33°C to 36°C, with Humidex values climbing as high as 45, posing serious risks to pets.
Walking Your Dog Safely in Extreme Heat
During periods of extreme heat, adjusting your dog’s walking schedule is essential. Lucas Solowey, a spokesperson for the Toronto Humane Society, recommends walking dogs only during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, while avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat hours.
Hot asphalt can burn a dog’s paws, even on days that don’t feel extreme to humans. A good rule of thumb: if the pavement is too hot for you to hold your hand on for several seconds, it is too hot for your pet. Paw covers can offer protection, but limiting time outdoors is the safest approach.
Keeping Pets Cool Indoors
Indoor cooling is critical for all pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. Dr. Shane Bateman, an emergency and critical care specialist at the Ontario Veterinary College, explains that dogs do not have sweat glands and rely on panting to regulate body temperature. If the surrounding air is hot and not cool enough, panting becomes less effective and can contribute to overheating.
For households with air conditioning, keeping the indoor environment cool and providing mental stimulation through puzzle feeders, training, and treats helps pets stay comfortable and engaged. If air conditioning is not available, using heat-resistant blinds or curtains can reduce solar heat gain through windows.
Frozen treats can also help pets cool down. Blair Budgell of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Cruelty to Animals notes that some pets enjoy ice cubes made from beef broth or similar pet-safe liquids, which can encourage hydration and provide enrichment.
Never Leave Pets in a Hot Car
Leaving a pet in a parked vehicle during hot weather can quickly become fatal, even for a short time. Budgell warns that common justifications, such as leaving windows cracked or the air conditioning on, are not reliable safeguards. Temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
Dr. Bateman adds that dogs may stay in a dangerous situation simply because of their desire to be near their owners, even when they are in distress. This makes it crucial for owners to never leave pets unattended in vehicles during warm or hot weather.
Recognizing Signs of Overheating
Pets can overheat quickly in high temperatures. Budgell advises watching for excessive panting that appears frantic, listlessness, or a sudden reluctance to continue activities. When these signs appear, bring your pet indoors immediately, even if they normally enjoy being outside.
Some animals are at higher risk for heat-related illness. Brachycephalic (short-snouted) breeds such as pugs and bulldogs have more difficulty breathing efficiently in the heat, while larger, heavy-coated dogs can overheat rapidly.
If a dog shows signs of overheating, Bateman recommends cooling them gradually:
Spray their body and neck with cool or lukewarm water and place them in front of a fan or in a breezy area to encourage heat loss through evaporation. If the dog enjoys water and is stable, allowing them to stand in shallow water up to the middle of the torso while wetting their body and neck can help.
However, if a pet develops vomiting or diarrhea, appears dull or unresponsive, or shows other severe symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.
How Much Water Pets Need During a Heat Wave
Hydration is one of the most important ways to protect pets in hot weather. According to the University of Guelph’s Pet Hydration Guide, all pets should have access to fresh, clean water in an easily reachable location at all times.
General daily water requirements can vary by species and body weight:
Dogs typically need 60–80 ml of water per kilogram of body weight, while cats usually need 40–60 ml per kilogram. For example:
A 2 kg dog may need about 120–160 ml of water per day, while a cat of the same weight may need about 80–120 ml. An 8 kg dog may require about 480–640 ml, and an 8 kg cat may need around 320–480 ml.
Cool water is ideal, but warm water is acceptable if cold water is not available. Small amounts of pure fruit juice or coconut water can be safe, but grapes and grape juice must be avoided because they are toxic to dogs and cats.
Owners should never give pets sugary or processed fruit juices, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, or sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade. Ice cubes made from clean water are generally safe, but they should be avoided for pets at risk of choking, especially in smaller animals. Larger ice cubes can be a choking hazard, and frozen carrots can be a safer alternative.
Pets should be supervised when given ice cubes, and they should not be offered to an animal already experiencing heat stroke. In that case, cooling should be done with cool, damp towels, fans, and air conditioning while contacting a veterinarian immediately.
Helping Cats Stay Hydrated
Cats can be more difficult to encourage to drink water, which puts them at higher risk of dehydration, especially in heat waves. Dehydration in cats can contribute to urinary issues such as crystals or stones.
To support hydration in cats:
Offer wet food or add extra water to their regular food. Some cats prefer running water, so a pet fountain or a slightly dripping faucet may attract them to drink more often. Adding low-sodium tuna juice, clam juice, or chicken broth to their water can also encourage intake.
Monitoring your pets closely during extreme heat, providing cool environments, limiting outdoor activity, and ensuring consistent access to safe water and appropriate hydration methods are all key steps to protecting their health during Canada’s heat wave.
