With a heat advisory posted for the DFW area this past week, the Richardson Animal Shelter took to social media to advise pet owners to keep pets inside, as high temperatures can be dangerous not only for people but for pets. Here are some other safety measures that should be followed to ensure pets stay healthy when it’s hot outside (courtesy of the Humane Society):
- Never leave your pets in a parked car—on a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85 degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.
- Limit exercise—adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Since asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water along to keep your dog from dehydrating.
For more tips, including how to recognize heat stroke in pets, visit https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat
