5 Things to Know About Protecting Pets from Summer's Heat

Summer’s swelter has arrived, and Hillsborough County Animal Services reminds pet owners about the dangers of Florida weather. Just like people, pets can suffer heatstroke at any hour of the day -- even in the shade.
  
According to a press release from Hillsborough County Animal Services, defenseless animals cannot call for help, and many pet owners fail to recognize the signs of distress and heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, disorientation and seizures. It is not uncommon for an animal in heatstroke to refuse water.
 
While Florida felines are also at risk, dogs are the more likely to suffer heatstroke due to their activity level, breed characteristics and modes of confinement. Hillsborough County Animal Services offers the following tips for protecting pets from Florida’s dangerous heat:
 
1. Make shade and fresh water available and plentiful at all times.
2. Use caution when exercising dogs, even in off-peak temperature hours.
3. Reduce risks to very active dogs that don’t know their own limitations.
4. Limit outdoor exposure of older pets, heavy-coated (fur) breeds and brachycephalic dogs (those with pushed-in noses), such as bull dogs, pugs, Pekingese, Boston and Yorkshire terriers, to name a few.
5. Ask boarding facilities and pet-sitters about exercise procedures.
 
Like humans, pets suffering from heatstroke require immediate first-aid:
1. Lower the body temperature by submerging in cool (not icy) water, or by running a hose over its body.
2. Cool the head and neck areas first.
3. Place the victim in an air-conditioned space.
4. Do not attempt to force a heatstroke victim to drink water.
5. Seek immediate medical attention and evaluation for any victim of heatstroke.
 
It is best to keep the family veterinarian’s phone number handy at all times.
 
As with children, local and state statutes also forbid leaving animals inside vehicles -- even with windows cracked or during evening hours. Violators risk both civil and criminal penalties. When the temperature outside is 85 degrees, the inside of a vehicle can reach 102 in just 10 minutes -- 120 degrees in 30 minutes. Animals left in closed vehicles will develop heatstroke, and may suffer pain, injury or even death.
 
Citizens who witness animal cruelty or see a pet confined inside a vehicle should notify law enforcement or Hillsborough County Animal Services immediately. For more information, call (813) 744-5660 or log on www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.