Hot Weather Tips

The Anti-Cruelty Society strongly advises that pet owners provide an area where their pets can stay cool in extreme heat. Here are a few additional tips to help keep your pets cool in hot weather conditions:

• If your dog has to be outdoors, he or she must have a shady area to cool down and plenty of fresh, cool water at all times.

• Limit walks to the cooler hours in the morning or evening.

• Do not jog with your dog during this excessive heat. Be on the lookout for excessive panting or drooling-this may be a sign of heatstroke or distress.

• Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather. Even with windows open, the temperature inside can reach deadly heights in just a few minutes.

• If your pets become too hot, they could suffer heatstroke. Signs include difficult, then rapid breathing; reddened tongue and gums; a blank stare, or sudden collapse. Emergency action is necessary: bring the body temperature down immediately by covering the animal with cool (not cold) compresses, remove from the sun, and take it to your veterinarian for a complete examination.

• The elderly, the overweight, and pets with flat faces such as Pugs or Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke. Be extra sensitive to the needs of high-risk animals.