How to keep your pet cool when temperatures are high – The Kingston Whig-Standard

Sweltering heat is uncomfortable for humans and animals alike — especially for those living underneath coats of fur.

With Kingston temperatures approaching 30 C this week, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers five tips on keeping your pets comfortable and safe during the peak of the heat.

The SPCA recommends opting for a morning or evening walk when the temperature is at a daily low. Choose shady areas over scorching sidewalks, which can burn your pet’s shoeless paws. And stay close to home so they have the option to cut it short.

Vehicles quickly accumulate dangerous amounts of heat on hot, sunny days, the SPCA cautions.  Pets will be more comfortable at home. If on a road trip, plan rest stops where you’ll offer your pet food, water, and shade.

Humidity, in addition to air temperature, can affect your pet, says the SPCA. To mitigate this, ensure your pet has access to a bowl of water and a shady area at all times.

Keep a note of the symptoms of heatstroke: excessive panting or drooling; bright red gums; disorientation; listlessness; increased heart rate; vomiting or diarrhea; collapse, seizure, or coma; and body temperature higher than 40 C. Call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has heatstroke, the SPCA stresses.

If you worry for an animal’s well-being, contact the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or your local police services.

If an animal’s life may be in danger, dial 911 immediately. Monitor the animal while help arrives, and attempt to locate its owner by making announcements in nearby stores.

“Our animals count on us to keep them safe,” said Dr. Stephanie Black, chief veterinary officer of Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Having a plan and taking basic precautions will help everyone in your family stay safe and comfortable during hot weather.”

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