Hot Weather Safety Tips

It's that time of year when the warmer, even downright hot, months in the Southeast show up. ACC wants pet owners to know and understand some of the dangers your pets can face when it comes to hot temperatures. Here are some tips to keep them safe.

VEHICLES AND PETS

NEVER leave your pet in a car. Ever!

If you have errands to run, it’s best to leave your pet AT HOME.

Contrary to popular belief, citizens are NOT allowed to break into a vehicle. Only first responders are authorized to do so. If a citizen breaks into a vehicle, they can be cited by the police and sued by the vehicle owner.

Each year ACC responds to numerous calls for service for animals left inside vehicles.

ACC officers carry infra-red thermometers and once they have access to the vehicle will measure the temperature inside.  If an animal is found inside of a vehicle and is in distress, first responders are able to break the window in order to gain entry to help the animal.  Animal cruelty citations can be issued if the totality of the incident warrants.

• Signs of dehydration: panting, drooling, a dry mouth, gums and nose, reduced skim elasticity, reduced capillary refill time and sunken eyes.
• Signs of heatstroke: raised body temperature, heavy panting, drooling, vocalization, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, vomiting, bright red tongue, and collapse.
• Dehydration and heatstroke come on quickly and cause death. Remove your dog from the heat into a cool place and slowly pour cool (but not cold!) water on them to help cool them down. Then contact your vet right away.

What do I do if I see an animal left in a vehicle?

• If the animal is not responsive, call 911 immediately, they will send CMPD officers and Animal Services Officers.
• If the animal is not in distress and is responsive to you, call 311 and it will be entered as a priority call for Animal Services.

If you do make a call for service, please stay by the vehicle so we can contact you if we are having difficulty finding the pet/vehicle.

EXERCISING PETS

• Limit the amount of time they stay outside and bring them in if they begin to pant too heavily/quickly.
• Walk or exercise your pets in the early morning or late evening.
• Carry water and a portable water bowl. Offer frequent water breaks.
• Be mindful of the humidity as it also makes it harder for pets to breath (not to mention their owners).
• Watch those short-nosed breeds! They have to work harder to breath and when they can't get enough air to help cool them down, they can overheat quicker.
• • Pugs
  • Boxers
  • Bulldogs
  • Boston Terriers
  • Pekingese
  • Shar pei
  • Shih Tzu

• When walking dogs, do not let your dog stand on hot asphalt, pavement or sand.  Paw pads are sensitive and will burn easily.  Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paw pads!

OUTDOOR PETS

• In extreme temperatures, bring pets inside. Especially puppies and senior pets!
• Provide plenty of fresh, cold water. Every day. For dogs who like to push over their water bowl or buckets and use them as toys, dig a hold that will fit half of a 5 gallon bucket inside.
• Provide shade and shelter such as a dog house or dog igloo. Make sure the shelter is in the shade! Even a tarp placed over a dog kennel can help block the sun. Just make sure the area is shady all day.
• Allow dogs to cool off in a kiddie pool. Always use fresh water and empty when finished. This will keep the dog healthy, refreshed, and prevent mosquitoes.
• DO NOT leave your pets in a cage, crate, or airline carrier outside! These are not made to be proper shelter against the heat and they have no where to go to get away. This includes apartment and condo balconies.

Not just for outdoor pets...

Pets that live inside and may only go out for short periods of time are just as susceptible to the dangers of pests as pets that are left outside all the time, or even those who are considered indoor/outdoor.

• Mosquitoes cause heartworms in dogs and cats if they are not protected. Heartworms are very hard to treat and are potentially lethal. To protect your pet from heartworms be sure to get the monthly heartworm preventative from your vet.
• Also, make sure there are no standing pools of water. Whether it be an old pot, a kiddie pool, or even puddles, they can all spawn families of mosquitoes. They are not only a pest your pets, but also to you.
• Ticks and fleas can infest your dog very quickly and if they are not eliminated they can cause dehydration and loss of weight. Ticks also carry lime disease that is not only deadly for your pet but can be transferred to you. To protect your pet from fleas and ticks ask your vet for a monthly topical medicine.

If your pet is exposed to high temperatures...

• Be alert for signs of heat stress.  Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, (temperature of 103 degrees or higher) you must lower the body temperature immediately
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over the body to gradually lower temperature
• Apply cool (not ice cold) towels to your pet's head, neck and chest
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes

Take your pet directly to a veterinarian!