ASPCA Warning: Heatwave Can Be Deadly For Pets

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Tuesday, 7 August 2001

The ASPCA today issued a pet safety advisory warning pet owners to protect their companion animals during the sweltering summer days and offers these guidelines as a way to keep pets safe when the temperatures begin to rise:

Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Parking in shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day. When traveling, carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cold water for your pet.

Don't force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Always exercise him or her in the cool of the early morning or evening.

In extremely hot weather, don't leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum.

Never take an animal to the beach unless you can provide a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for her to drink. Rinse her off after she has been in salt water.

Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside the house. A properly constructed dog house serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day and let her rest in a cool part of your house. Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal.

Please be sensitive to old and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs (especially Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus) and those with heart or lung diseases should be kept indoors in air-conditioning as much as possible.

Avoid walking your dog in areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals, as poisonings increase during the summer when gardens, lawns and trees are sprayed. These chemicals can sicken or kill an animal. Call your veterinarian or The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4ANI-HELP) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

Be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal's death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.

A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your dog or cat well groomed. If he has a heavy coat, shaving your dog's hair to a one-inch length will help prevent overheating. Don't shave a dog's hair down to the skin; this robs him of protection from the sun. A cat should be brushed frequently to keep his coat tangle-free.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org