Protect Your Pets During Extreme Heat
Keep your pets safe in the heat
Keep pets indoors or in shaded areas.
Provide plenty of clean water.
Walk them during cooler hours and keep walks short.
Test the pavement with your hand for 5–7 seconds; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws.
Brush fur to circulate cool air through their coat.
Know the signs of overheating in pets
Excessive panting
Difficulty breathing
Increased heart rate
Drooling
Mild weakness
Collapse
If your pet is overweight, older, or has ahealth condition, they may have moretrouble staying cool when it’s hot.
Did you know your pet can get heat stroke too?
Stay informed and act fast— heat stroke can be deadly.
During heat exhaustion, your pet may:
Seek a cooler area, such as a tile floor or a shady spot
Pant
Start to drool
Develop sweaty paws
Drink more
Groom themselves to cool off
If you suspect heat stroke:
Move your pet to a cool, air-conditioned area.
For cats: Place a slightly cool, damp towel on your pet’s back. Place a damp towel under their belly. Rubbing cool water on the paw pads and ears will also help with cooling.
For dogs: Spray your dog with cool water then retake temperature. Place water-soaked towels on your pet’s head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen. Turn on a fan and point it in their direction.
Offer your pet cool water to drink; some pets may like ice cubes.
Take them to the vet as quickly as possible. Heat stroke can lead to organ failure and can be deadly.