Pets and animals can become susceptible to harm from extreme heat during the summer months as temperatures can reach triple digits.
The American Red Cross has provided several tips to keep animals and pets safe while also highlighting what could put animals and pets in harms way.
Steps owners can take to help pets stay safe this summer include: Not leaving a pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
Keep all unscreened windows or doors closed so pets do not fall out of them.
Trim longer hair, but never shave the dog.
Brush cats more often than usual to help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Do not let pets drink from the pool, ocean or lake.
Introduce pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.
Rinse a dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.
Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn a pet’s paws.
Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.
Make sure garden plants are safe for pets.
Animals can suffer heat stroke in warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are: Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down; Brick red gum color; Fast pulse rate; and Being unable to get up. If a pet is suspected of having a heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
Individuals can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, toxic substances, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator.
Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.
Pet owners can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so they will know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. Individuals can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace. The interactive course includes: How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so owners can notice if there are any irregularities; Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure; and Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.