PHOENIX — The dog days of summer are nearly here, Phoenix, and it's hot not just for us, but for our furry friends too. How can you keep your pets safe this summer?
Heat stroke affects animals, too
Did you know that animals can suffer from heat stroke? According to AHS, some of the symptoms animals exhibit when they experience heat stroke are the same as humans — weakness, 103 degrees plus temperature and other changes in behavior — but animals also have other symptoms:
- Red gums and tongue
- Loud, rapid panting
- Excessive or lack of drool
- Rapid pulse
- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Glazed eyes
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, you shouldn't force your pet to drink water, leave your pet alone and do not use cold water to cool your pet down — this can cause your pet to go into shock. When an animal exhibits these symptoms, here is what you should do:
- Call your veterinarian
- Move your pet to a cool place
- Place a cool, wet cloth on their bellies, ears, paws and neck
- Direct a fan to blow on your pet
Hot pavement is not good for pets
Did you know that the asphalt in Arizona can reach up to 180 degrees during the summer months? Pavement burn is a big danger to pets in the southwest United States in the summer months.
AHS said that once outside temperatures get above 95 degrees — in Phoenix, summer temps are regularly above 155 degrees — the risk of burn increases for bare skin contact, and that includes paws.
How do you know how hot is too hot? AHS said to try the touch test: Put your bare foot on the sidewalk for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, chances are it is too hot for your pet! Hot pavement can result in third-degree burns and even surgery, AHS said.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind for summer safety when walking your pet outside:
- Limit your pet's exposure to hot pavement by prioritizing early morning or evening exercise outdoors.
- Avoid long walks, hikes or excessive play.
- Consider dog booties to keep paws safe.
- Never chain your pet outside.
Do not tether or chain your dog
Tethering or chaining your dog outside isn't just dangerous — it's deadly. Dogs can wrap the tether around objects in the yard and get stuck, preventing your pet from accessing water or shelter. Tethers or chains can also get caught wrapped around a dog's legs, possibly injuring or killing a dog.
And the effects of tethering a dog aren't just physical: studies show that even friendly dogs can become unhappy, anxious, neurotic, or aggressive when tethered or chained up, AHS said. Tethered dogs are more likely to get insect bites and parasites, and suffer cruel attacks by humans or other animals.
Tethering a dog during extreme weather conditions — including when the temperature is above 100 degrees or when a heat advisory is issued — is also illegal in the city of Phoenix. Glendale, Tempe and Chandler also have local tethering ordinances.
If you absolutely have to tether a dog, you must make sure it is legal to do so where you live and keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure the tether is long and the area is free of obstacles that might get the dog tangled.
- Your dog's collar should be fitted properly.
- The water bowl should be secured so it can't tip over.
- Since metal heats up, it is important for the food and water bowls set out to be plastic.
- Dogs should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time.
- No matter what, if there is an excessive heat warning, do not leave your pet outside.
An alternative to tethering is building a fence or dog run. If you see a chained or tethered dog and suspect the animal is in danger, contact the AHS Field Dispatch team at 602-997-7585, extension 2073, or fill out an online form.
How do hot cars impact your pets?
Just like a car can become deadly for humans in just a few minutes, it is just as dangerous for pets. Even if the outside temperature is 70 degrees, in just 30 minutes the car can become 104 degrees, and in 60 minutes reach temperatures of 113 degrees.
If you see a dog or anyone in the car on a hot day, call 911 right away. If the vehicle is locked, you can break the window using "no more force than is necessary," AHS said. If the door is unlocked, open the door and stay with the pet or person until the authorities arrive.
Can you hike with your pet when it's hot?
Phoenix trails are closed to all dogs when temperatures reach 100 degrees because of the risk of heat stroke and pavement burn, AHS said. This policy is also enforceable by law, too. Under PCC 24-54, violators could be subject to a class one misdemeanor that could include a fine of up to $2,500 and six months jail time.
Keeping your pet safe near the pool
Pool safety isn't just for people, it's for pets, too. Luckily for pet owners, many of the human safety measures apply to your pooch, too!
Pools are for swimming, not for drinking. Small amounts of chlorine may not hurt your pet at first, but any amount of chlorine in excess can be dangerous.
Make sure your pet knows how to swim. As odd as it seems, the doggy paddle is not instinctive for all pups. Similar to teaching a child how to swim, it is best to supervise your dog in the pool and guide their attempts to learn how to swim. AHS said pet owners should also have a pet-sized life jacket on hand, just in case.
Keep the gate to your pool closed or ensure your pool is covered when you aren't using it. A pet could inadvertently fall in. If this happens, make sure your pup also knows a way out. Knowing how to get out is just as important as not falling in!
Bottom line: much like you do with children, watch your pets around water.
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