Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

Here are some tips to help you and your pet beat the heat this summer!

• Be aware of humidity—high humidity makes it difficult for dogs to keep themselves cool, leading to overheating and internal temperatures skyrocket quickly. To cool your dog, offer an ice pack or wet towel for them to lay on, add ice cubes to their water, and if available, put your pet in a shallow pool filled with cool water.
• Limit time and exercise outside—adjust the lengths of your walks, and avoid running. Extended periods of time in the heat can lead to heat stroke and death. Morning and evening hours when the sun is coming up or going down are ideal. Always carry water to keep your pet hydrated.
• Provide shade and water—when you’re outside, protect your pet from the heat and sun with shade from trees or umbrellas. Keep water cold by adding ice and remember, if you’re thirsty, they are too!
• Bring outdoor cats inside. Just like dogs, cats can experience heat stroke and death if left outside too long.
• Know the signs of heatstroke—difficulty breathing, or sudden rapid breath, a blank or anxious stare, abnormally red gums or tongue, disorientation or sudden collapsing are all signs of heatstroke. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately and immerse them in cool (not cold or ice) water to lower their body temperature.
• Never leave a pet in a parked car. Even with the windows left open, a car’s temperature increases to 114 degrees in just ten minutes when the air temperature is in the 90’s. At these temperatures, your pet can suffer irreversible organ damage and die.
• If you see something, say something—if you see a pet being left outside unattended for long periods of time, call The Anti-Cruelty Society Humane Investigation Team at 312-645-8090.