06/14/2022
🔥Dog Days of Summer is here so please keep your pets and animals safe from this Extreme Heat! Important Information below!🔥
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PETS IN A PARKED CAR
On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die. Humidity makes it hotter also. "Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly."
PROVIDE PLENTY OF SHADE & WATER!
You must provide water, whether your pets are inside or out with you. Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don't obstruct air flow. A DOG HOUSE does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.
LIMIT ACTIVITY & EXERCISE!
On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating. Also note fans don't cool off pets as effectively as they do people.
WATCH FOR HEATSTROKE!
Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness.
Animals are at particular risk for heat stroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease. Some breeds of dogs—like boxers, pugs, shih tzus and other dogs and cats with short muzzles—will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat. Call a vet if you see symptoms or have concerns.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR PET OR ANIMAL IS SUFFERING FROM HEATSTROKE!
Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take them directly to a veterinarian.
These tips are from the Humane Society and save animal lives! Please it's also important to check in on your elderly neighbors to make sure they and their pets are ok!
