Hot
weather tips from the Humane Society of Missouri
to keep pets safe
When temperatures
and heat indices soar, pet owners are advised to take special precautions to
keep pets safe. High temperatures can be deadly for pets left without a cool,
shady place to rest and plenty of water.
To
report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, call
Humane
Society of Missouri ANIMAL ABUSE HOTLINE (314) 647-4400.
o Never
leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is more than 70
degrees. When it’s 72 degrees outside, a
car’s temperature can rocket to 116 degrees, even with the windows cracked.
When it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 120
degrees in minutes. Leaving a pet in a hot, unattended car is inhumane, illegal
and can cause severe injury or even death within minutes.
o Act
immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car. Call the local police and the
Humane Society of Missouri ANIMAL ABUSE
HOTLINE at 314-647-4400. A pet showing
signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or
collapse needs IMMEDIATE attention.
o Be
certain outdoor pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Secure
plastic water bowls, never metal, to the ground so your pet can't accidentally
tip them over. You can dig a small round hole and place the water bowls inside.
o Ensure
that your pet has access to shade at all times of the day.
Your
dog might be in the shade when you leave for work, but the sunlight moves throughout
the day. Don't allow your pet to be stranded in the scorching sun.
o If
you run or jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks for yourself and your
dog.
Remember
that asphalt and concrete get hot quickly. You have rubber soles on your
feet--your dog does not. On hot days, leave your dog at home.
o Do
not bicycle or rollerblade with a pet. Heat stroke and possible death can occur very
quickly, particularly in hot weather.
o When
the weather is dangerously hot, keep pets inside.
o If your pet is showing signs of
heat exhaustion (excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior), right away
begin applying cold water to your pet's extremities. See your veterinarian
immediately!
o During the summer, mosquitoes are
prevalent. Make sure your pet is tested by a veterinarian for heartworm disease
(a mosquito-transmitted, often fatal disease) and begin heartworm prevention
medication.
