Hot Weather
Heat can be deadly for your pet. Cats and dogs do not have the ability to sweat; they cool their bodies off by panting and through the pads of their feet, so when the weather is extremely hot, it is much harder for your pet to cool off. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe this summer:
- Never leave your dog in a parked car: Even cracking a window won’t protect your pet. It is against the law in California and could be punishable by a fine. A car can reach 120 degrees in just minutes; even if the windows are slightly open the car can still reach 102 degrees. A dog's normal temperature is 101.5 degrees; at 120 degrees, your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and die, and at 107 degrees, brain damage occurs.
- Bring pets inside and avoid extreme heat: When temperatures get above the 90s, bring your pet(s) inside. Even outdoor pets need access to plenty of water and a cool, inside space during hot weather.
- Don't forget about outdoor and barn animals: Livestock and other barn animals are just as susceptible to heatstroke as indoor pets. Keep them cool with large amounts of clean fresh water, well-ventilated shelters, and access to shade at all times. Consider installing misters, mud holes, and spraying down hot surfaces like concrete, asphalt, sand, and even wood. Electrolytes and salt blocks are also a great option to keep barn animals hydrated. Chickens can be especially susceptible to dehydration and heat stress during extremely hot weather.
- Don’t exercise with your pets when it is too hot: Older and certain long-haired dogs can be particularly susceptible to heat, and hot asphalt can burn their paws. Exercise in the early morning or evenings, and make sure both of you have plenty of water. It will be easier for both of you.
- Use sunscreen: Pets get sunburned just like people, and if your pet has light skin, they can be particularly susceptible to a painful burn. Use sunscreen on sensitive areas, such as the ears or nose, to make sure your pets are protected. Pets with white and light fur and those with light or pink-colored ears and noses are at risk for skin cancer.
Secure your dog during transport: Make sure your dog is secured safely in your vehicle. Do not transport your dog in the bed of a truck. Truck beds get extremely hot and burn footpads, and coupled with the full-sun exposure, can cause heatstroke.
- Be your pet’s lifeguard: While swimming can help some of your pets get exercise without overheating, always supervise your pets when swimming either in a pool or in area waterways. A dog could get tired swimming, particularly if it is in the river and must fight against currents. Make sure they wear life jackets and keep them out of the water when flows are high.
- Don’t take your pets to crowded summer events: The heat, noise, and crowds can be overwhelming to your pet. It is best to leave them at home in a quiet, cool environment.
If your pet has been exposed to high temperatures…
- Be alert for signs of heat stress, including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
- Immediately move your pet to the shade to gradually lower its temperature. Apply cool (not cold) water to the pet, and provide lukewarm or cool water to drink.
- Take your pet to a veterinary hospital immediately. It could save its life.
Cold Weather
When the weather gets wet and wild, you want to take extra precautions to ensure pets and livestock remain healthy by following simple guidelines:
- Make sure your fences and gates are secure - Winter winds and weather can topple your fence and provide an opportunity for your pet to get out.
- Make sure your pets are wearing their ID - If you pet does get out during winter weather, if they are wearing ID, people can contact you if they find your pet, and if you pet is picked up by Animal Control, we will know how to contact you.
- Keep pets indoors when the temperature drops and the storm picks up - Bring your pets indoors when the weather gets cold. Most dogs and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
- When left outdoors, protect them from windchill and wet weather - If your pet is an outdoor pet, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow comfortable sitting but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. These guidelines are recommended for small livestock such as sheep and goats. Rabbits kept in outside hutches also need protection from the wind and should be provided with a nesting box with extra bedding of straw or shavings.
- Pets and livestock who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter - Keeping warm depletes energy. Check with your vet on how to best modify food intake to compensate for the expended energy.
- Routinely check your pet's water dish - Make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
- Check your car in the morning - Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
- Keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) away from animals - Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Guidelines have been adapted with permission from The Humane Society of the United States.