The heat of summer is upon us. As temperatures rise, it is vital you keep yourself and your pets in a cool area.
If you have witnessed any animal that has been outdoors for an extended period of time and who is not protected from the heat, please call the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s cruelty/neglect hotline at (855) PETS-911 or (855) 738-7911. For all dogs left outdoors, you can also call the Animal Resource Center at (937) 898-4457. Let’s work together to keep all of our pets safe this summer!
Tips to Keep Your Animals Safe in the Heat
As temperatures continue to rise outside, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton recommends these quick and easy steps to keep your animals safe this summer.
- Supply water – Have fresh, clean water available at all times to keep your pets hydrated and cool in the heat.
- Offer shelter – Providing shelter from the sun will help keep your animals cooler and out of harm’s way. Whether it is a covered structure or a shaded area, make sure that if your animals are outside, they have a place to escape from the direct sun.
- Keep air flowing freely – Avoid putting your pets in an enclosed shelter during hot weather. Air cannot flow freely and the temperature inside the enclosure can become very hot and harmful, very quickly.
- Avoid leaving pets in vehicles – Animals can overheat very fast and in just a few minutes the temperature inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels for your pet, which could lead to heat-related health problems.
- Exercise in the mornings or evenings – During these hot temperatures it is safer for your pets to take walks during the morning or evening hours. This way the sun is not at its peak and temperatures are more manageable for animals.
- Keep coolants and chemicals away – Using coolants or lawn chemicals in the summer can be harmful to your pets. If ingested, these types of materials can make your pets sick or may even kill them. Keep these items out of your pet’s reach.
- Groom your pets – If you have longhaired animals, help them beat the heat and stay cool by grooming them. Besides haircuts, brushing your pets regularly will help them stay tangle-free and will allow air to reach their skin more easily.
- Be aware of problems – If your pet is panting excessively, lethargic, showing signs of stress or exhibiting a change in their behavior they may be suffering from heat-related problems. If you notice any of these symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Find ways to cool down pets – Whether it is a dip in a lake or filling up a baby pool in your backyard, letting pets take a dip helps to keep them cooler as temperatures rise.
