Excessive Heat Watch In Effect Wednesday Through Sunday: Bring/Keep 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.