Never leave your pets in a parked car!

Not even for a minute!  On a hot summer day temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.  When it’s a mild 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside the car with the windows open can soar to 102 degrees within only 10 minutes.  After 30 minutes, it will reach 120 degrees.  Your sweet pet may suffer irreversible damage or even die.  If you see a pet in a car, stay near the vehicle and call your local authorities.

Watch not only the temperature, but also the humidity

Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has warned “It’s important to remember that it’s not just the ambient temperature, but also the humidity that can affect your pet.”  Your pet will pant to remove moisture from their lungs which in turn takes away heat from their body.  If they are unable to cool themselves their temperature will soar to dangerous levels quickly.
A dog’s temperature should never reach 104 degrees.  Take your dogs temperature if you’re unable to escape the heat quickly.  If it is high, get them into your local vet ASAP!

Limit Exercise

On a hot summer day, walk your pet early in the morning or later in the evening.  If you have a pet with white colored ears, consider applying pet safe sunscreen or keep them indoors away from the sun.  Be cautious of hot asphalt.  Place your palm on the surface for five seconds, if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paw!  Always have plenty of water on hand for yourself and your pet.

Keep your pet cool on the inside AND outside

First thing that comes to mind on a hot day is to keep your pet indoors so their surface temperature doesn’t soar, but what about cooling them from the inside?  Whip up a batch of pupsicles with ingredients you most likely have on hand in your pantry!

• 1 cup low fat yogurt
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Splash of water

Blend or mash all ingredients, pour into molds, freeze, and then serve as a tasty treat!