It's getting hotter and hotter every day, and if you're feeling it, so are your pets! The SPCA has some tips for keeping your animals healthy during the hot summer months.
- Walk your dogs early in the morning or in the evening when it's cooler outside.
- Keep your pets fit and trim. Overweight animals tend to overheat during hotter months.
- If animals are kept outside, always have shelter for them to get out of extreme weather. Keep a wading pool full of water for them to cool off in.
- Consider getting a doggie door so they can use the bathroom outside and access the AC inside.
- Make sure your furry friend has cool water in a tip-proof bowl. Note: Metal bowls can get hot, so always put them in the shade. Don't forget ice!
- Run water hoses for several minutes, until the water cools, before spraying dogs or filling water bowls.
- Pets should be well groomed, but don't shave off all hair to keep them cool. A pet's coat can actually protect them from sunburn and overheating!
- Don't let dogs ride in the back of open vehicles unless they're safely tethered where they can't reach the sides and slip out. Truck beds and metal surfaces get hot so they can also burn their paw pads.
- NEVER leave your pet in a hot car -- even with the windows cracked! It takes mere minutes for a dog or cat to suffer heat stroke. If you see a pet left alone in a hot car, call 911.
- Give livestock companions plenty of water every day. Remember: Most can consume 10-20 gallons of water a day.
- Call your veterinarian if you have other questions, and make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations.