Pet owners need to begin taking precautions as the temperatures begin to rise.

Summer may not officially start until June 21, but hot temperatures are appearing in many parts of the country. Keeping your pets safe from summer heat is vital to their health and safety. Summer months are dangerous for pets outside and in vehicles.

Never leave your pet in a vehicle unattended. Even with windows down, temperatures inside can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke, brain damage, and death can result from exposure to high temperatures. If walking with your pet, remember that paved surfaces can be very hot. The pads of a dog’s feet may become burned.

Proper shelter, with adequate ventilation and water is important. Ensure that your pets water bowl can not easily tipped-over and is in a shaded area out of the sun. Direct sunlight can heat the water, and glass bowls can even focus sunlight onto flammable surfaces. Many dog owners and animal shelters utilize kiddie pools with fresh, clean water. Providing ice cubes to chew may cause jaw stress, but snow cones or shaved ice, without syrup flavoring, can be a cool treat to offer.

Signs of heat exhaustion in animals include:
•Shallow breathing
•Profuse panting
•Salivation
•Rapid heart beat
•Fatigue
•Collapse

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. If your pet is suffering heat exhaustion, spray with cool water or wrap in cool, moist towels.

For More Information:
•Check out the Best Friends hot weather guide
•The Humane Society of Bexar County SPCA has 16 tips to keep summer “cool” for pets

Posted by Mark Cross, Best Friends Network Volunteer Program
Photo by Mark Cross