Ross Humane Society Urges Caution For Pets As Summer Heat Wave Moves In

Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC Adult Education…

(Ross County) – The Ross County Humane Society is urging pet owners to use caution with upcoming extreme high temperatures.

“It’s heating up this week, and here’s your friendly (but serious) reminder: leave your pets at home. Even if the AC is on. Even if you’ll only be a minute. Even if they “love car rides.” Just leave them home.”

Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They pant to cool off, and that doesn’t work well when it’s 90 degrees with no breeze. Heat stroke in dogs can happen fast, and a cracked window or running AC isn’t a guarantee of safety. Temps inside a parked car can hit 120+ degrees in minutes. If the AC fails, you won’t know until it’s too late.

Signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

* Excessive panting or drooling

* Vomiting or diarrhea

* Bright red gums or tongue

* Weakness, stumbling, or collapse

* Glazed eyes or unresponsiveness

* Seizures or unconsciousness

If you think your dog is having a heat stroke:

* Get them to a cooler, shaded area immediately

* Offer cool (not ice cold) water to drink, but don’t force it

* Wet their body with lukewarm water. Do not dump cold water on them or put them in an ice bath

* Focus on cooling areas like the paws, armpits, and groin

* Use a fan if you have one

* Get them to a vet ASAP

Cold water or ice can actually send a dog into shock. We know your first instinct is to cool them down fast, but there’s a right way and a wrong way.

Also:

* Don’t exercise pets in peak heat (10am to 6pm)

* Make sure outdoor pets and livestock have shade and plenty of fresh water

* Pavement can burn paws. If you can’t touch it with your hand for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for them to walk on

Every summer, someone thinks it won’t happen to them. Don’t be that person. Just leave them home. Keep them safe.