With temperatures from coast to coast hitting over 100 degrees this week, finding ways to keep pets safe in the heat is a top priority! Heat can be dangerous for dogs and cats and even result in heat stroke. Whether you work or volunteer in a shelter or want to keep your pets at home safe, here are 5 ways you can help keep pets cool during this heat wave.
1. Provide Shade
Whenever pets are outside, whether with you or alone, they should always have easy access to shade coverage with good airflow.
2. Keep them hydrated
Dogs and cats should always have access to clean, fresh drinking water. Set up multiple bowls and buy spill-proof containers and buckets and check them often and provide new water often.
3. Fans and Ventilation
Large fans or swamp coolers in breezeways in shelters can help air cool down and move through your shelter. Consider donating a fan to your local shelter. At home, put fans in areas where your pets like to hang out outside.
4. Protect their Paws
Walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when asphalt and cement is cooler to the touch and won’t burn their paws. A good rule to test if it’s too hot to walk is to put you palm on the ground for five seconds-- if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet’s paw pads, too.
5. Fun ways to keep them cool
Signs of heatstroke: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs
Shelters! Grab these signs to place around your city and help keep pets safe. Or, grab this infographic to share on social media.