NATIONWIDE — As temperatures continue to soar across the nation, it’s important to remember to keep your pets cool and safe.
The Humane Society of the United States offered the following tips for those with four-legged friends:
Don’t leave your pet in a parked car
When it’s warm outside, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly and reach dangerous levels. Even if the AC is running or the windows are cracked, a car can reach 102 degrees when it’s 85 degrees out, the Humane Society explained. After 30 minutes, that temperature would hit 120 degrees.
The Humane Society warned that pets can die or have severe, irreversible damage to organs.
If you see a pet in a hot car, the Humane Society suggests taking action by following these steps.
Monitor humidity levels
High humidity increases the risks of heat for animals.
“When animals pant, moisture from their lungs evaporates and helps reduce their body heat. But high humidity conditions hamper that process and their ability to cool themselves, and their body temperature can skyrocket — rapidly — to dangerous, or even lethal, levels,” Dr. Barbara Hodges, with the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, said.
Dog owners should check their dog’s temperature. If their temperature exceeds 104 degrees, they need to be treated for heatstroke.
Watch for heatstroke
Signs of heatstroke in pets include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness. Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke, per Humane Society.
Humane Society said animals who are very old, very young, overweighted, have heart disease, have respiratory disease or are not used to getting a lot of exercise, are at high risk for heatstroke. Dogs and cats with short muzzles — such as pugs, boxers and Shih Tzus — have a harder time breathing in extreme heat.
If you believe your pet is suffering from heatstroke, the Humane Society said to immediately move them into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Applying ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck and chest can help, too. Owners can also opt to run cool — but not cold — water on their pets. Pets should drink a small amount of cool water or lick ice cubes. Humane Society said pets showing signs of heatstroke should be taken to the vet immediately.
Scale back exercise
When it’s really hot out, try to exercise your animal in the early morning or evening hours. Both the intensity and duration of exercise can be scaled back during high temperatures, too.
Humane Society recommended walking pets on grass, since asphalt can get hot and burn paws. Don’t forget to bring water with you when spending time outside so your furbaby does not get dehydrated.
Pets with white-colored ears are more likely to get skin cancers and short-nosed pets can have difficulty breathing in hot weather.
Make sure they have shade and water
Whenever your pet is outdoors, make sure they are protected from the heat and sun and have plenty of fresh, cold water. When possible, add ice to water, especially during a heat wave.
Humane Society recommended utilizing tree shade and tarps for shade, since those do not interfere with air flow. Doghouses are not recommended as they do not help with heat, but instead intensify heat and can make things worse for your pet.
Keep your pet cool
Whether your pets are inside or outside, ensure they always have access to water.
To keep your pet from overheating, provide a cooling body wrap, vest or mat. Pets who don’t mind water may also enjoy a cool bath or a frozen treat like a pupsicle.
Humane Society said to keep in mind that pets respond differently to heat than their human owners. Fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as they cool off people.
Prep for a power outage
Make sure to have a disaster plan for your pet when prepping for a summer storm. Emergency kits should include things such as medications, leashes, harnesses, carriers, photos, descriptions of your pet, food, water, medical records and waste supplies.
If you leave your home because of heat or a storm, take your pet with you. Get more weather-emergency tips for pets, here.
