06/28/2021
Tips for keeping pets safe in extreme heat:
🔥 Never leave your pet in a car. On a mild to hot day, temperatures in a closed car (even with the windows cracked) can exceed 49 degrees in minutes, creating a very dangerous condition for any animal. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not help.
🔥 Give your pet extra water. Staying hydrated is crucial on hot days to avoid illness. Whether your pet is indoors or outdoors, be sure to fill their water bowls several times a day.
🔥 Protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces. Walk your pet in the grass or the shade whenever possible. A quick tip: if the pavement is too hot for your bare hands or feet, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
🔥 Don’t overdo outdoor exercise. Oftentimes, dogs don’t know when they need a break, so it’s important to stop frequently for shaded breaks and offer plenty of water.
🔥 Take extra care with older dogs and dogs with shorter noses. Just like older humans, older dogs can be especially susceptible to higher temperatures. And certain breeds with shorter noses (like pugs and bulldogs) are at a greater risk of heatstroke.
🔥 When in doubt, stay indoors. Avoid being outside for long periods of time during the hottest time of the day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take walks earlier in the morning to avoid as much of the heat as you can. Animals can get sick quickly on hot days, even if they are in the shade.
Feel free to add more helpful tips in the comments below!
