Hot Weather Tips

Hot Weather Tips

The roar of air conditioners and constant hum of fans can only mean one thing - summer is upon us!  As we all prepare for temperatures in the mid to upper 90's, your friends at the Spartanburg Humane Society want to remind pet owners to keep their pets in mind while planning for summer activities.
 
The following tips will help to ensure that all members of your family stay safe and "cool" this summer:

• Don't leave pets in parked cars on hot days. Even in the shade, temperatures can reach 130° F in your car in just minutes. A simple trip to the store can put your best friend in serious danger of heat stroke, brain damage, and even death.

Researchers at Stanford University measured the temperature rise inside cars on sunny days when the outside high ranged from 72° F and 96° F. They found that a car's interior can heat up by an average of 40° F within an hour, regardless of the outside temperature. Approximately 80% of the rise in temperature occurred within the first half-hour, revealing the danger of leaving pets in cars even for a few minutes. Measures such as cracking a window or running the air conditioner before parking the car were ineffective against reducing the final temperature.

• Where do you want to be during hot summer days? Inside with air conditioning or cooling fans. Pets aren't any different. Dogs and cats don't sweat like we do, so they can succumb to heat stroke more quickly than people. Prevent heat stress by keeping your pet indoors and out of high temperatures. When they are outside, make sure they have shade and access to plenty of fresh water in a non-tip bowl.

• Exercise is important for pets all year round. But in the summer it's a good idea to schedule walks and games of fetch during cooler morning or evening hours. This is especially important for older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick coats. Also keep in mind that hot asphalt and concrete and can burn paws.

• Don't forget mosquitoes, which are responsible for transmitting heartworm disease between infected pets! Be sure to get rid of standing water (a breading ground for mosquitoes) on your property and make sure your pets are on heartworm prevention.
  

• Fleas and ticks are especially annoying in the summer. These pests don't just make pets uncomfortable; they can also make them very sick. Most over the counter products are ineffective and can actually be harmful to your pet. Use only flea and tick control recommended by veterinarians, such as Frontline®, which the SHS offers at very affordable prices.

• Open trucks beds are not a safe form of transportation for dogs at any time of the year, but warm weather adds additional danger. The floor of truck beds can get extremely hot, which can burn the pads of your dog's paws. Since dogs perspire through the pads of their paws, they may not be able to lower their body temperature if they are standing on hot surfaces. This can also lead to heat related illness, which may be life-threatening.

• Always read labels on garden and lawn care products, bug spray, and other outdoor chemicals, to make sure they are pet friendly. When walking your dog, be aware that some yards may be treated with chemicals and insecticides that can make your pet sick.

• Summer celebrations, which often include fireworks, can make some pets very nervous. In fact, we notice an increase in the number of lost pets coming to the shelter following Fourth of July celebrations. Dogs and cats should be housed in secure environments where they feel safe and cannot escape if they become frightened.

Because accidents can happen at any time, make sure your pet is always wearing identification so you can be contacted if your pet is found. As an added safety measure, consider having your pet microchipped, which offers permanent identification. You can have your pet microchipped at the Humane Society for $20.00. The cost is discounted to $10.00 at our low cost vaccine clinics held from 9:00 to 10:30 am on the first Saturday of every month.