We are in the midst of a heat wave, according to meteorologists. I can’t stress enough to keep your pet indoors during this hot weather. Hot temperatures can be very hard on a pet’s respiratory system.
Yesterday I attended a Memorial Day parade to commemorate our war heroes. It was HOT! And this was at 9 AM. What I found surprising was the number of dogs that people brought to the parade and memorial service (3 hrs. in length). While I stood/sat there, I was so hot and sweaty.
As I looked around, I saw dogs panting so heavily with no water in sight. Hot weather and dogs do NOT mix. These dogs and outside cats can experience heatstroke and/or death as a result of their body temperature rising with no relief.
PLEASE keep a pet’s outdoor activity to a minimum during this extremely hot weather. Dogs don’t have sweat glands so they must pant. I witnessed a large dog panting so heavily and rapidly, I thought he was going to have a heatstroke.
My dog, Shadow, has a collapsing trachea among other issues and this heat is very hard on him. I keep him in the a/c almost the entire day during this hot weather.
And whatever you do, DON’T leave your dog in your parked car for any reason right now. Your vehicle can heat up to over 100 degrees in as little as five minutes. You’re asking for serious trouble for your pet, even death.
If you see a pet in a parked vehicle, please call the Animal Rescue League at 610-373-8830. I know they won’t respond to catching a loose animal, but I am quite sure they will come to save a dog from certain death! Hell, I would save the dog myself if I saw a pet in that type of situation.
Keep your pet indoors!!!