Safety Tips for Your Hot Dog

This week’s heat wave is not only uncomfortable, it can be deadly for fur-coated animals such as dogs and cats. Temperatures in the Northwest are expected to reach triple digits in some areas. The Oregon Humane Society wants to pass on its list of “do’s and don’ts” for keeping your pets safe in the hot weather.

DON’T:

- Do not take your pet in the car with you. The inside of a car heats up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car’s interior temperature can climb to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Another concern is dogs riding on uncovered pickup beds. The sun heats up the metal truck bed and can burn your pet’s pads. Keep Fido at home!

- Do not leave pets unattended outside when it gets too hot – bring pets inside.

- Do not take your dog for a game of fetch during the heat of the day, because he may overheat. Walk your dog in the cool of the evening and morning.

DO:

- Keep your pets inside the house, with plenty of water.

- If your pets must be outside, make sure they have shade and plenty of water available.

- Get a “kiddy pool” and fill it with water for your dogs to splash and play in. They will love it.

Symptoms of heatstroke could include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, and lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. Contact your veterinarian.

If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately immerse or spray the animal with cool running water (not cold water as that could cause shock) and continue until body temperature lowers. Give your pet water to drink and consult your veterinarian right away to determine if additional treatment is needed.

If you suspect an emergency situation has developed and you see someone else's animal in immediate danger from the heat, first consult the owner if possible and then contact your local animal control agency or local police department.