Pet Safety Tips Under Extreme Heat Conditions

Southern Californians are experiencing extreme heat conditions with consecutive days of triple digit temperatures, which can be harmful for people and their pets.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) released a list of tips to help keep your pets safe.

• Water to prevent dehydration: Plenty of clean, cool drinking water is a must at all times.
• Protection from the sun: If your pet must stay in the yard, instead of the cool indoors, be sure he has adequate shade and ventilation with plenty of drinking water in a tip-proof bowl.
• Emergency Care: If a pet is overcome by heat (detected by excessive panting, is heavily salivating, and/or immobile) immerse him slowly in cool water to lower his body temperature, then contact a veterinarian. Never immerse a pet in ice cold water, it may cause him shock.
• Keep Pets Groomed: Clip long or matted coats short to help your pet stay cool, but remember that pets, like people, can get sunburned too and coats should not be too short.
• Health Check: Carefully go over your pet’s body at least once a week to check for fleas, ear mites and tiny bumps or cuts. Bring your pet to the vet for a summer check-up and use a good flea and tick repellent recommended by your vet.
• Fleas: Fleas need to be attacked on three fronts: on the pet, in the home and in the yard.
• Exercise: Exercise pets in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.
• Prevent Burns: Dog pads burn easily, so avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt on hot days.
• Identification: With the hotter weather, families and their pets are outside more often, increasing the chances of a pet getting lost. Make sure your pets always wear proper identification.
• Park your pet at home: Never leave your pet in a parked car, not even for five minutes. It could cost him his life. The temperature in a parked car can soar to 160 degrees within minutes, even with the windows left slightly open.