Keep Your Pets Safe In the Heat

As the summer heat intensifies, it's important to remember that pets need mild temperatures and hydration just like people do.

The Pennsylvania SPCA offers the following advice for hot days:

• If your pet spends time outside or in the yard, make sure they some shade to get out of the sun. Make sure they have lots of fresh clear water shaded from the direct sun. Water bowls sitting in the sun can get very hot creating a scalding bowl of water.
• Never leave a pet in a car alone, even with the windows down a crack. Even on cooler days, a car can become a furnace very quickly.
• Consider getting an inexpensive plastic kiddie pool for your dog to cool down in post- outdoor exercise. Some dogs also like to play in sprinklers.
• If you have a swimming pool, do not leave your dog unattended in the pool area. Not all dogs can swim – they can drown if they fall into the water. They can also get sick from drinking chlorinated pool water.
• Be sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Parvovirus, an illness that flourishes in hot weather, can be fatal to dogs that have not received their vaccinations. Also, be sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are current. During the summer months, pets often spend more time outdoors, and the chances of encounters with wildlife (possible rabies carriers) increase.