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Excessive Heat Watch In Effect Wednesday Through Sunday: Bring/Keep Pets Indoors!

Written by: Arizona Humane Society
With an excessive heat watch in effect Wednesday through Sunday the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is encouraging people to bring and keep their pets indoors.

Each year, AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs™) and Animal Cruelty Investigators respond to hundreds of calls of animals in heat distress due to a variety of factors including being left outside with no water or no shelter or being tethered or locked in a hot vehicle, just to name a few. In fact, on a 100 degree day, the inside of a car can reach 129 degrees in just 20 minutes, yet even a 75 degree day can be deadly in a car for a pet.

In addition to bringing pets indoors, AHS recommends the following tips:

  • Limit outdoor exercise to very early morning or late evening
  • Avoid long walks, hikes and excessive outdoor play – the City of Phoenix bans hiking with dogs in over 100 degree temps
  • Provide pets with extra, cool water sources
  • Consider dog booties for hot pavement
  • Play in the sprinklers or kiddie pool
  • Never tether or chain your pet – various Arizona cities have tethering ordinances prohibiting the act
  • Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle

Also, it is important to know the signs of heat stroke in your pet:

  • Loud, rapid panting
  • Red gums and tongue
  • Rapid pulse
  • Excessive thirst
  • Glazed eyes
  • Excessive/lack of drool
  • Weakness/collapse
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness
  • 103+ body temperature

If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, be sure to:

  • Move them to a cool place/the shade
  • Call your veterinarian immediately
  • Place a cool, wet cloth on their belly, ears, paws and neck
  • Direct a fan to blow on them

However, do NOT:

  • Force water
  • Leave pet alone
  • Use cold water to cool them as this can cause them to go into shock

Please feel free to share the below infographic to keep pets safe this summer.

Excessive Heat Warning

  • In The Media
  • Fox 10: Celebrating a Legacy of Compassion
    06/2022

    The Valley is under an excessive heat watch through Monday and the Arizona Humane Society is encouraging pet owners to bring their pets indoors. Learn what modifications you can make this summer to keep pets safe, as well as the signs of heat stroke and what to do if your pet becomes overheated, by visiting azhumane.org/nohotdogsaz.