The summer months can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people. You can help you keep your pets safe and cool this summer, by following these tips for helping everyone in your family stay healthy and comfortable when the heat is on.
- Never leave pets in a parked car. On a warm day, temperatures can rapidly rise to dangerous levels. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact police. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature in a car on a 93-degree day can soar to 125 degrees in just 20 minutes and approximately 140 degrees in 40 minutes.
- Keep water in the shade and make sure it is fresh every day. Secure the water dish to avoid an accidental spill. If possible, have fresh “on demand” water available, such as a hose bib waterer.
- Shade and shelter. Pet owners must provide adequate shelter protecting animals from injury, rain, sleet, snow, hail, direct sunlight, and adverse effects of heat or cold. A dog house in the backyard with no access to shade does not protect animals from sun.
- For animals that love the water, an inexpensive child’s pool or poly rubber water trough make excellent “on demand” swimming pools for pets. Caution is advised – make sure that the pets are able to use the pool without risk of drowning (puppies, children)
- If you will be walking with your pet, remember that while paw pads are “tough” they are also sensitive, and can be burned while walking on hot pavement and tar. If possible, walk on grass or dirt, and check your pet’s paw pads to make sure there isn’t any redness or pain.
- Limit exercise on hot days. Take care to adjust intensity and duration of exercise. Watch for shortness of breath and remember that asphalt gets very hot and can burn paws; walk your dog on the grass if possible.
- If your pet shows any of the following signs contact your veterinarian immediately:
- heavy panting
- glazed eyes
- rapid heartbeat
- vomiting
- fever
- dizziness
- restlessness
- excessive thirst
- profuse salivation
- Take steps to reduce the animal’s body temperature; apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest, provide water and ice cubes for hydration, and move the animal into the shade or air-conditioning.
Information on Heat-Related Pet Safety was provided by The Humane Society of the United States