When is it Too Hot For My Pet?
The heat wave is here, and pets are paying the price all across the country. Here are some things you need to know about summer time and your pet.
- Water, water, water!-On a hot day, it only takes 20 minutes for a pet to die from the heat. If there is no water, or a chance your pet may run out, make sure you check frequently, or get a self-filling water bowl that you can hook up to your hose so that it's always stays full. Make sure your pet has cool clean water.
- Shade-Again, a pet can die from the heat in 20 minutes, and they get sun stroke or heat exhaustion so quickly. Make sure if your pet spends any time outside in the heat that there is ample shade.
- Never leave your pet in the car-Even if it's only 75 outside, it takes less than 20 minutes for your car to get so hot that it can kill your animal. If you have to go out, plan ahead so that your pet doesn't have to spend any time in a potentially hot car.
- Take your pet to the vet-if they show any signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or dehydration. Without getting ample fluids inside of your pet immediately, it may die. It's important to call your vet at the first sign of trouble.
- Let your pet stay inside-Most pet's body temperatures runs around 105. Think about yourself, if it's too hot for you to be outside, it's too hot for your pet. Give your pet ample time to spend indoors. Use a baby gate to section off an area for outdoor pets to be in, or designate a room.
Our pets are part of the family, and it's important that we think of them when it's hot, the same way we do if it gets too cold. When it's too hot for us, it's already too hot for our pets. Thinking ahead can save their lives.
