Extreme Heat Is Here: 10 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe
As dangerous heat and humidity continues throughout the area, we continue to see stories about dogs and other pets being left in hot cars.
The National Weather Service Chicago has an Excessive Heat Warning in effect through 7 p.m. Friday (July 22, 2016), and heat and humidity is expected to be intense again on Sunday.
Kane County Animal Control understands the danger and is emphasizing 10 tips to help keep pets safe in the heat.
(1) Exercise During Cooler Hours
Exercise your pet in the morning or evening. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog.
(2) Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Refill your dog’s water bowl more often than usual on hot days. Add ice cubes to cool down your pup and prevent vomiting.
(3) Take Advantage of Shady Spots
Prevent overheating with breaks out of the sun into a shady retreat every 30 minutes or so while outside.
(4) Check Your Pet’s ID
Dogs are more likely to get lost in the summer months. Dogs spend more time outdoors and are more likely to get spooked by things like fireworks or get-togethers. Remember to keep ID on your pet at all times. Whether you have a microchip or tag (or both), remember to update the information when needed.
(5) Mind the Puddles
Coolant and antifreeze taste super sweet and delicious to pets. Watch for any leaks in your garage and never let your pet drink out of puddles.
(6) Get Boots for Hot Pup Paws
Be a friend to those paw pads with dog shoes
or booties to prevent burns and blisters. Avoid hot surfaces such as pavement, concrete, wood, stone, metal and sand. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch then it’s too hot for their paws.
(7) CAUTION!!! Keep Pets Out of Hot Cars
NEVER leave a pet in the car, not even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can heat up to over
120 degrees!
(8) Watch for Signs of Heat Stroke
Muddy, dark red gums (instead of bright pink), heavy panting with occasional frothing of the mouth, disorientation, increased heart rate, high fever, vomiting, weakness and lethargy. What to do: Remove your pet from the source of heat and contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
(9) Use Sun Protection
Don’t forget the sunscreen and have your dog wear clothing. Dogs that are white, hairless and with light colored fur are most likely to suffer from sunburn. Speak to your veterinarian to find out what is best for your pet.
(10) Get the Bug Meds
Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes thrive in warmer weather and present health dangerous to dogs and cats. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on his/her medications and check for any unwanted pests after your pet has been outside.
SOURCE: Kane County Animal Control
About Kane County Animal Control
It is the duty of the Animal Control Department to:
- Ensure that all domesticated dogs and cats over 4 months of age are vaccinated against Rabies and have a Kane County Rabies Tag.
- Ensure that all reported animal bites are given precautionary attention in relation to the possibility rabies infection.
- Ensure that pet owners are instructed on proper procedures pertaining to animal bites and enforce adherence to these procedures.
- Contain loose\stray dogs in unincorporated Kane County and those towns and villages with whom contracted.
- Investigate nuisance dog complaints in unincorporated Kane County and those towns and villages with whom contracted.
- Investigate complaints of neglected and\or abused dogs.
Visit the Kane County Animal Control website and Facebook page!
