Time to think about hot weather pet safety
By My Courier-Tribune
With the weather beginning to warm up and the temperatures steadily rising going into the summer months, it’s important for pet owners to remember pet safety.
In a press release, the Humane Society of Missouri shared the following tips for keeping pets safe on hot, sunny days:
Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees. “The temperature inside a car can soar past 100 degrees very quickly and temperatures above 110 degrees can be fatal in minutes,” states the release.
Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car. “Call the police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at (314) 647-4400 as soon as possible. A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse, needs immediate attention,” the release states.
Apply cool water to a pet’s extremities if they show signs of heat exhaustion. “If your pet is displaying symptoms, place a cool, wet towel around their neck or pour cool water over their body, especially the abdomen and between the hind legs,” the release reads. “Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.”
Make sure outdoor pets have access to shade and fresh, clean water. “Do not use bowls made of metal as they will become extremely hot if left out in the sun,” the release states. “Take frequent water breaks if walking or jogging with your dog. If you leave your pet outdoors for an extended period, check to make sure they will have shaded areas all day.” Asphalt and concrete heat quickly. If it’s too hot to keep a hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws, stated the Humane Society.
Keep pets inside when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. “There will be days when the temperature skyrockets and it becomes too hot for pets to remain outside. Bring them indoors and keep them in a safe and secure place such as the basement, especially if your home is not air conditioned. Rising temperatures inside the home can be just as deadly as the outdoor heat,” states the release.
Learn more at hsmo.org/donttakerover.
