Be Careful With Pets During Heat Wave

The County Department of Animal Services is offering advice to keep pets safe and healthy as temperatures rise this week.

“Animals can suffer from heat stress just like humans do. It’s important to take steps to prevent it and to know when you should seek help,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the County Department of Animal Services.

Signs of heat stress include: panting, rapid heartbeat, high fever, unresponsiveness, extreme listlessness or hyperactivity, vomiting, collapse or seizure. If you think your pet may be suffering from heat stress, try to lower its body temperature by moving the animal into the shade and applying cool water. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

You should also take the following steps to keep pets cool:

• Walk your pet before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when temperatures are cooler. Hot concrete and black top can burn and blister your pet’s paws.Bring your pet indoors into a cool area.
• Give your pet fresh, cool water, and replenish it often.
• Never leave animals unattended inside a vehicle at any time. Temperatures can quickly reach deadly levels even with windows slightly open and in mild weather.
• If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal control agency, humane society or police department immediately.