Pet Heat Safety
One of the critical issues we deal with here in Arizona is extreme heat. It is very important for you to keep your pet safe from the heat during summer months. One thing you should do to keep your pets safe is never leave your pet in the car. When it is 100 degrees outside, it can be over 140 degrees inside your vehicle. Even on warm days, the temperature inside your car can easily reach over 120 degrees.
If you notice a pet in distress inside a vehicle and the owner does not return promptly, you should notify nearby businesses to page the owner. If that fails you may call the Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Field Dispatch at 602-997-7585 ext. 2073, call 911, and then stay with the car.
Heat Stroke in Pets
If you suspect a pet has heat stroke:
- Get your dog out of direct heat.
- Check for shock. Signs include: collapse, body temperature 104° F+, bloody diarrhea or vomit, depression stupor, seizures or coma, excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, salivation.
- Take your dog’s temperature.
- Spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature.
- Place water-soaked towels on the dog’s head, neck feet, chest and abdomen, turn on a fan and point it in your dog’s direction, rub Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the dog’s foot pads to help cool him but don’t use large quantities.
- Take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital.
Source: American Red Cross