Pet Safety Tips as Summer Heat Intensifies  

June 15, 2022

The summer swelter is on and with that comes risks for people and pets.

Pet owners are encouraged to remember to take special care of their pets during these very hot days.

Here are a few precautions to help keep your pet safe:

  • Shade and water – try to provide shade from the sun and keep them hydrated with plenty of water
  • Do NOT leave pets in cars – Never leave a pet in a car, not even with the window cracked
  • No asphalt – if it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Keep the pets off the asphalt
  • Limit exercise – just like humans, pets should limit outdoor activities to avoid over exerting in the extreme heat
  • Don’t rely on fans – Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as they do people.
  • Heat stroke – be observant of your pet and know that excessive panting, discolored gums, and mobility problems are signs of a possible heat stroke. Seek veterinary attention if you observe these symptoms in your pet.