Summer safety: 4 ways to keep your pet healthy during this oppressive heat.
By now all of you know that I have two kitties I’m crazy in love with. This is my first full summer of being a cat owner, so I’m still learning.
My playful little guys – Hemi and Eddie – like to play outside, but this oppressive heat has me worried, so I did what I always do when I have a pet question: I called Serena Wright, executive director of the Erath County Humane Society.
“It’s rough out there,” she said. “We have so many dogs at the shelter right now that it’s impossible to bring them all inside, but we have lots of shade and swimming pools to keep them cool.”
She shared a few helpful tips pet owners should keep in mind when dealing with these scorching temperatures.
1. Don’t take your dog on a walk in the heat of the day when the pavement can burn their paws. Remember, if it’s too hot for your bare hands or feet, it’s too hot for their little paws. Short, early morning walks are best.
2. Do not leave your pet in the car. This seems pretty obvious, but just the other day a resident received a citation for leaving their dog in a car while they were at work. Parking in the shade or cracking a window doesn’t work either, so don’t do it.
3. Give your pet plenty of water even when they are indoors, and if you keep the water bowl outside, make sure it’s in the shade and refilled with cold water often.
4. And finally, if you notice your furry friend is panting, bring them inside and cool them off. Just like humans, our furry friends can develop heat stroke as well.
