Pets are vulnerable to high temperatures, and are unable to cool down their bodies as humans can. Pets left outside in high heat temperatures can suffer from heat-related stress, burned paws, sunburn, and even death. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers the following tips to keep your pet healthy, safe, and alive during this heatwave…
Make sure pets have plenty of fresh, clean water every day, and that the water bowl can’t be tipped over and is in a shaded area. Bring pets in during the hottest part of the day and let them rest in a cool part of the house. When pets are outside, make sure they have plenty of shade; remember, shade in the morning will move or diminish as the sun moves and may not protect them. NEVER leave pets in a parked vehicle—even in the shade with the windows cracked. Don’t force animals to exercise when it is hot and humid. Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. In hot weather, pets can burn their paws on hot concrete or asphalt. If it’s too hot for you to stand barefoot, it’s too hot for your pet! Pets can get sunburned too. Keep them out of the sun during peak hours.
