HSCO urges steps to keep pets safe on hot days

The Humane Society of Central Oregon would like to offer tips on keeping your pet safe in the heat. With temperatures rising into the 90s this week, the best spot for your pet is inside a safe, cool house. Dogs and cats cannot cool their body temperatures as efficiently as humans.

“We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, but there are heat concerns when our pets are outdoors,” said Dr. Crystal Bloodworth, DVM, of the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

“Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, as they do not sweat. This isn’t always enough, however, as cool water and shade can help. Paying attention to your pet while outdoors in the heat is critical,” said Dr. Bloodworth. Senior, obese, short muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are susceptible to extreme heat.

Another concern in high temperatures is hot asphalt, which can cause damage to paw pads. A recent asphalt temperature was 140 degrees, with ambient temperature of 86 degrees.

· If your pet is outside during the day, remember to provide protection from the sun and plenty of fresh water. Remember that older, short muzzle and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.

· Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially open windows won’t protect your pet from heatstroke.

· Exercise your dog in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool . The paw pads can get injured from the hot pavement and melted tar can get stuck to pad and hair. Pets need exercise but do it in the cooler hours of the day. Press your hand on pavement for 10 seconds, and if it’s not tolerable for you, it’s too hot for your pets.

· Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke. Veterinarians know all too well dogs that have fallen out of the truck bed which resulted in severely injured dogs or motor vehicle accidents from people swerving to avoid the dog. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be on the hot metal. Debris from the road damages eyes.

· Cool your pet with cooling pads, cooling jackets, booties, wading pools, shade cloths or tents and fans.

“Every year the Humane Society of Central Oregon warns people to keep their pets safe from the dangers of warm temperatures,” says Lynne Ouchida, community outreach manager. “Unfortunately, every year we hear of animals needlessly suffering from heat stroke. When summer heat hits, the City of Bend animal control receive four to eight calls per day regarding dogs left in hot cars.”

The Humane Society of Central Oregon has posters available for businesses and car windshield flyers that educate people on the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars . The educational flyers list the warning signs of a pet suffering from heat exhaustion or stroke.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon is located one mile south of Reed Market Road on 27 th Street in Bend. The shelter is open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. For more information call the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 541.382.3537 or visit www.hsco.org .