As the temperatures continue to rise, it’s important to keep pet safety in mind. If you’re hot, they’re hot. The Starke County Humane Society offers a few tips to protect your pets. For starters, temperatures within a vehicle can reach dangerously high levels so never leave your pet inside a parked car. Even with windows slightly open, on an 85 degree day within 10 minutes temperatures inside a car can exceed 100 degrees.
Find tips for dealing with a pet in a locked car or if your own pet is exposed to extreme heat conditions here: http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/hot_car_flyer.pdf.
Another way to assure pet safety is to limit or adjust exercise routines on excessively hot days. Walk your dog on the grass if possible, because asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. Remember to always carry water on walks to avoid dehydration. When a pet is outside, make sure ample shade and water is available. Dog houses do not provide shelter from the heat actually can make it worse. Trees or tarps work well for shade, and water bowls or shallow kiddie pools can be used for providing water. Add ice to the water on especially warm days.
Starke County Humane Society Director Shanna Lloyd also recommends getting your dog tested for heartworms. Dogs are more susceptible to contracting the potentially deadly parasite during mosquito season. She adds people with pools need to make sure their dogs are not left unattended around the water, as not all dogs make great swimmers.
