The Animal Resource Center receives many heat-related calls during the summer, therefore they advise pet owners to be mindful of this advisory.
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As the temperatures climb, pets will be at a greater risk and owners need to take precautions:
- Limit physical activities to the cooler times of the day (mornings and evenings). Walk your pets or visit the dog parks during these cooler periods.
- When the temperatures are very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Sensitive paw pads can burn, and your dog's body can heat up quickly.
- Watch the humidity. Pets pant in order to cool their bodies. If the humidity is too high, they have difficulty cooling themselves, resulting in elevated body temperatures.
- If at all possible, bring your pet indoors. If not, make certain that your pet has shelter/shade to protect it from the heat and that there is plenty of fresh potable water available for your pet.
- Watch for signs of heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke in pets are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, lack of coordination, vomiting, seizures and eventually losing consciousness. Very young dogs, older dogs and/or overweight dogs are highly susceptible to heat stroke, along with certain breeds (Pugs, Boxers and Bulldogs for example). If a pet is suffering from heat stroke, move the pet to a shaded or air-conditioned area. Begin cooling the animal's body by applying cold towels to the head, neck and chest area or by running cool (not cold) water over the animal and seek veterinary attention.
- Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes or with the vehicle running and with the air conditioner on. On a hot, or even warm, day the temperatures inside a vehicle can escalate to dangerous levels in a very short period.
- Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog, as the coat protects them from overheating and sunburn. If you use any sunscreen or insect repellent on your pet, be certain that the product is labeled specifically for use on animals.
