Residents reminded to keep pets safe during heat advisory

MONTEREY COUNTY — An excessive heat advisory has been issued for the Central Coast and is expected to be in effect through Monday, with temperatures in parts of Monterey County possibly hitting triple digits this weekend and along the coast, temperatures may reach the high 80s.

Coupled with drier than normal conditions, it is a recipe for disaster for animals, both inside and out. The SPCA for Monterey County and the Monterey County Animal Services want to remind pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of pets and livestock.

Pets should be kept indoors or be provided with ample cool, shaded areas. Fresh water must be available at all times.

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion or possible heat stroke. Children and pets should not be left unattended in enclosed vehicles. A parked car’s interior can reach over 120 degrees in less than five minutes, even with the windows partially open, causing brain damage or death. 

It is important to keep in mind that conditions in the area change constantly. A shady spot on a foggy day can quickly transition to direct, hot sunlight.  

Both agencies, along with the American Veterinary Medical Association, recommend the following precautions:

• Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside.
• Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about.
• Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe.
• Take walks, hikes or runs during the cooler hours of the day.
• Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
• Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or sunscreen.
• Keep your pet free of parasites that are more common during warm weather, such as fleas, ticks and heartworm.
• And remember, if it is hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet!
• Heat stress may include signs of anxiousness, excessive panting, restlessness, excessive drooling, unsteadiness, abnormal gum and tongue color or collapse. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

If you see a pet in distress, call the SPCA at 831-373-2631 or 422-4712 or 911.