Ask The ASPCA Vet: Summertime Help For Hot Pups And Cats

As temperatures soar in many areas of the country, pet parents have been asking us how to help dogs and cats beat the heat. We passed on the following questions to Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital:

I'm trying to leash train my five-month-old Lab puppy. How long is too long a walk when it’s 90 degrees out?
—Susan C.

“The exact length of the walk would depend on the temperature outside, the dog's condition, etc.,” says Dr. Murray. “The most important thing is to monitor your dog. Does he look tired? Is he panting fiercely? Are his gums getting red? If you see these things, it's time to stop. Certainly on really hot days, I think that a mile is a reasonable limit, but you have to compute all the factors, such as time of day, shade versus sun, etc. He will be able to do more in the early morning or at dusk than at noon, for example. Have fun with your puppy!”

Dr. Murray also offered up some hints for safe exercise in the summer:

1. Always have lots of fresh water to offer your puppy every 10-15 minutes or so.
2. Try to exercise during the times of day when it is not as hot and sunny. The best times are early morning or evening. Avoid exercise between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.
3. Try to keep your puppy in the shade.
4. When it is hot outside, exercise should be moderate. Long periods of strenuous exercise when it is hot could lead to heatstroke.

I'm always a little worried in the summer about leaving my two cats (both short-haired) without AC. How hot is too hot? At what point should I leave it on for them if I'm away at work? Thanks!
—C.H.

“Since cats did evolve in the desert, it is felt that they can tolerate somewhat higher temperatures than people can, as long as they are not in the sun and have plenty of water,” explains Dr. Murray. “However, when it is really muggy, they do seem to become sluggish and uncomfortable. If it is affordable for you, they will be grateful if you use the air conditioner to keep the temperature in your home around 80 degrees while you are out. If you put on the AC, but set the temperature higher than you might if you were home, they will be quite happy. When the temperature goes above 90 degrees—outside or in—they don’t seem to like it any more than we do. Thanks for your concern about your kitties’ comfort!”

Got a question for Dr. Murray? In honor of Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month, she’ll be answering all your cat health-related questions this Wednesday, June 11, from noon to 2:00 P.M. on the ASPCA Online Community!