Heat warnings: Pet safety tips

June 7, 2011

Heat warnings: Pet safety tips

As the temperatures hover in the 90s across the state, Animal Humane Society wants to remind you that the heat and humidity can be dangerous for all living creatures including our pets.  Animal Humane Society's Keith Streff spoke with Patch.com and offered these tips.

Hot temperatures can be very dangerous for our four-legged friends. They can succumb to heat stroke, dehydration and even get sunburned – all of which can be prevented. In order to keep your dog safe, please follow these helpful tips and know the signs of heat stroke:

• Ensure that your pet always has access to cold water. In addition, you can:
  • Provide ice cubes for your pets to chew on
  • Give frozen “Kongsicles” (a Kong stuffed with canned food and then frozen) or frozen food patties
  • Wrap ice in bandanas and put it around their necks
  • Wet down and freeze towels to give them something cool to lie on
     
• Cracked windows won’t protect your pet from overheating or suffering heat stroke on hot days. Never leave your pet unattended in the car.
   
• Limit exercise to morning or evening hours. Take extra care with older pets, overweight pets and short nosed dogs.
   
• Bring your pets inside when possible. If your dog must be left outside, leave him in the shade with plenty of fresh, cool water or even a kiddie pool filled with water.
   
• Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. If the ground is too hot for you to comfortably go barefoot, it is too hot for your dog.
   
• Keep your pet well groomed. A matted coat traps in heat. Resist the temptation to shave off your pet’s hair in an effort to keep him cool.  Your pet’s coat will protect him from getting sunburned.

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
As soon as you see any of these signs, immerse your pet in cool water or wet him with a garden hose then get him/her to a veterinarian immediately.

Excessive panting or drooling	Anxious or staring expression
Staggering gait	Fast pulse and high body temp
Collapse	Vomiting
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