Keeping Pets Safe During Extreme Heat Events

The extreme heat that we have seen in many parts of the United States has been very hard on people, especially those without air conditioning, the homeless or workers who have to work outside in the heat.

We also cannot ignore the many pets who we have that have become like family to us — and the impact of heat on them.

Fritz Shultz Monfiston, a professional dog trainer, has the following tips for pet owners:

1. Watch out for hot pavement: Limit walks with your dog and do not walk your dog for more than 10-15 minutes. It’s also smart to walk your dog during the cooler early morning or evening hours, in part because hot asphalt can put dogs at risk for burned paw pads. If you aren’t sure how hot the pavement is, Fritz recommends feeling it with the back of your hand to see whether it’s tolerable for dogs. If you are still unsure, walk your dog on grass or use dog booties to help prevent injury.
   
2. Make sure to give your pet access to shade and cold water while outside: Fritz recommends adding ice to water when possible, and says tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A dog house does not provide relief from heat and can actually make it worse.
   
3. Pets can get sunburns, too: Sunburn is another safety risk that many dog owners may not be aware of. All dogs are susceptible to getting sunburns, however, dogs that are hairless, have white or thin coats or light-pigmented noses and eyelids are at higher risk. There are special sunscreens available to protect pets from sunburn, however, it’s important that you only use formulas that are specifically intended as sunscreen for your dog.
   
4. Optimize your indoor spaces: Fritz recommends leaving your pet at home if you’re planning to go out for the day. He recommends keeping all of your doors and unscreened windows closed and using your air conditioner to keep the house as cool as possible. He also recommends providing different “temperature zones” throughout the house for your pet’s comfort. It’s also important to make sure to provide them with plenty of water, and consider whipping up pet-friendly “pupsicles” as a refreshing treat or buying a cooling body wrap, vest or mat. Never leave your pet in a parked car, since temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels even in the shade or with the windows down.
   
5. Keep them busy with other activities: Even if it’s too hot for your pet’s regular outdoor activities, it’s still important that they get some kind of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If you have a yard, consider setting up a kiddie pool in a shady spot or a sprinkler your pet can run through. You can also splash your dog with a garden hose — just make sure the water is cool. When inside you can also hide treats or food around the house to let your pet practice their foraging skills or build your own obstacle course for them using pillows, boxes and other household items.