SUMMER IS HERE, AND WE ALL LOVE SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS, ESPECIALLY WITH OUR FURRY FRIENDS; HOWEVER, IT CAN ALSO BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. OAK GROVE HAS SOME TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE FROM THE HEAT
Pets don’t have the ability to cool down as fast as humans, especially when they’re outside and only breathing in hot air. They also don’t sweat as much, so it does very little to cool them off. So, how can you keep them safe?
Never leave your dog in a hot car
- Even if you’re only running into a store for a minute and have the windows cracked, it’s never ok to leave a pet in a hot car.
- It only takes minutes for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate.
- It’s best to leave your pets at home on a hot day.
- If you must take your dog with you, be sure to bring them when you leave the car and bring water and a water dish to keep them hydrated.
Always have water available
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to always have fresh, clean water for them to drink.
- Water can get warm quickly in the sun so refresh it often.
- Do not over-exercise them and keep them indoors when possible.
Be aware of hot surfaces
- Asphalt and metal can get very hot in the sun so try to keep your pets off hot asphalt. It not only can burn paws, but it can increase their body temperature, which can lead to overheating.
- This goes the same for the back of a pick-up truck.
- Keep walks short during the hotter days and make sure they walk on grass as much as possible.
Do not leave dogs unattended around pools
- Even if your dog is a good swimmer, do not leave them unattended.
- Don’t let them drink pool water as most contain chlorine and chemicals that can harm dogs.
- Bathe your dog after they swim to remove chlorine from their fur.
If you suspect your pet is overheating
- Move them into the safe or an air-conditioned room.
- Apply ice packs and towels to their neck, head, chest, or immerse them in cool water, not cold.
- Give them small amounts of water at a time or give them ice cubes.
- Take them to a veterinarian.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the City of Oak Grove. We are more than happy to help in any way we can.