San Diego Humane Society urges pet owners to take precaution during excessive heat warning

SAN DIEGO–With temperatures soaring in San Diego County this
weekend, San Diego Humane Society urges pet owners to take extra
precautions.

Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when
it is hot outside:

Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal.
When away from home, carry a thermos with fresh water.
Leave your pets at home as much as possible. While you may
think that they will be lonely, they will be much more
comfortable in your cool home than riding in a hot car.
If you must take your pet along for the ride, don’t leave your pet
alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, a parked
car can quickly become a furnace. If the temperature outside is 80
degrees, the temperature inside your car can quickly climb to 120
degrees.
In extremely hot weather, don’t leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. Your canine
companion is much closer to the hot asphalt and his body can heat up quickly. His paws can also burn on hot asphalt or
concrete. If you’re going to be on hot pavement, consider bringing along a towel or blanket for your dog to rest on,
giving his pads a break from the sweltering heat of the pavement. Be sure to allow for plenty of breaks and find shady
spots to cool off.
Don’t force your animal to exercise in hot, humid weather. Exercise your pet in the cool of the early morning or
evening. Never run your dog next to a bike during the heat. In addition to the hot air, the hot pavement increases the
risk of heatstroke.
Dogs can get sunburned too — don’t forget to protect hairless and light-coated dogs with sunscreen.
Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside the house. Bring your pet inside during the heat of the day
and let them rest in a cool part of your house. If you take your dog to the beach or park, make sure you can provide a
shaded spot for resting.
A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your pet well-groomed.
Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a summer checkup. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective
flea and tick control program.
Be alert for the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting,
or a deep red tongue. If you believe your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian right away —
it could save your pet’s life.