As the weather gets warmer, Animal Protection Services (APS) encourage the public to be cautious when caring for their pets.
Temperatures in the 80s and 90s can become life-threatening for animals left in hot cars, according to a KOB 4 report. Pet owners can be fined $500 and placed in jail for 90 days for leaving a pet unattended in a hot car.
“It is very common," Lt. Erin McKay with APS told KOB 4. "We get those cars a lot in the summer. Sometimes, we’ll get multiple every single day. In just a few minutes, it can be over 100 degrees in the car. So, if the animals are left in the car unattended, they can risk getting heat stroke. They can even possibly die if they are left there for too long,”
Pet owners also need to be cautious when walking their dogs as concrete or sand can become dangerously hot during the summer.
“They can get burns on their paw pads,” McKay said. “You need to be careful of that. If you can walk them on a grassy area that would be better. Just be mindful.”
One way to test the temperature of the ground, McKay said, is to touch the surface with the back of your hand. If the ground is too hot for human flesh, it’s likely too hot for the pet. McKay said pets should be monitored closely whenever they are outside to ensure their safety during the summer months.
“If there’s excessive panting, sometimes they will lose their coordination,” McKay said. “They’ll be salivating, sometimes they’ll be really anxious. Sometimes they’ll start vomiting. Obviously, if you suspect that your dog has heat stroke, you should get them to a vet immediately.”
McKay advises pet owners to walk their dogs or play with their animals early in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are less intense. It is also important for dogs to be adequately hydrated, and when outside, they should take advantage of the shade.
