TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The heat can be “ruff” on your furry friends and while you can shed some of the layers, you pets aren’t as lucky.
“If your dog is normally an outdoor dog, they’re going to appreciate having access to air conditioning and just the ability to cool down in these heats,” said Communications Coordinator for Helping Hands Humane Society, Emi Griess. “They have fur on 24/7. They pant to try to help cool their body down but at some point that’s not going to help them anymore and they’ll be in danger of heat stroke or something like that.”
The heat dangers go beyond your dogs internal health. Make sure you’re keeping every part of your furry friend safe and free of injury.
“Check that sidewalk or asphalt with your own hand and if it’s too hot for your hand, you don’t want to walk them on there,” said Griess.
Griess isn’t saying that you can’t take your pets outside, just be cautious when you do and always be aware before loading up your pup in the back seat.
“Sometimes dogs love to be outside for a large part of the day but in these days where we’re getting temperatures so high — that probably isn’t going to be as healthy or safe for them. When they are outside you definitely want to make sure that if they’re out for any longer than just a quick potty break that you have water available all the time for them and shade. Again, we wouldn’t recommend keeping them out all day in the heat that we have,” said Griess. “If you’re going to have to leave them in the car alone with the car off for any period of time — just don’t do it on these summer days when it gets that hot. It gets hotter in the car when it’s off and those medical emergencies can happen — no pet guardian wants that.”
Griess said if you notice any changes in your pets behavior or if they begin panting more than normal, she recommends contacting your veterinarian and if symptoms get worse — take them to an emergency vet.
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