Protect your Pet from Hot Weather Hazards
Download Resource Descargar Recurso- Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even cracked windows won't protect your pet from overheating or suffering from heat stroke during hot summer days.
- Exercise your dog in the early morning or evening hours, instead of during the middle of the day when it's hottest.
- If your dog or cat is out during the day, remember that asphalt and concrete can get very hot and burn the pads of their feet. Your pet must always have shelter available to protect it from extreme temperatures and inclement weather. Be aware that older and overweight pets, as well as flat-faced breeds such as Persian cats, pugs and bulldogs, are more likely to overheat in hot weather.
- Keep your pet away from unfamiliar yards and grassy areas as many people treat their lawns with pesticides and fertilizers, which can cause severe intestinal upset in dogs and cats when ingested. Some types of mulch can also be hazardous.
- Provide your pet with fresh, cool water every day in a tip-proof bowl.
- Keep your pet well groomed. A matted coat traps in the heat, attracts parasites and can cause skin sores. Resist the temptation to shave off all of your pet's hair, as the hair coat protects against sunburn.
- Keep your pet away from spots or puddles of auto coolant in garages, driveways or parking lots. The sweet taste of this poisonous liquid is tempting to animals, but it can be fatal. Consider using a more pet-friendly variety of coolant that is non-toxic.
- Don't let your dog ride in the back of an open vehicle unless inside a kennel that is safely tethered to the floor of the truck bed. A loose dog is at risk of falling or being catapulted out of the truck bed. Also, a loose dog can suffer from burns on the footpads when the floor of the truck bed gets extremely hot.