MONTEREY COUNTY — With the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory for the area from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, through 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, SPCA Monterey County is reminding pet owners to take precautions to protect animals from potentially dangerous temperatures.
Hot weather can quickly become hazardous for pets, particularly when they are exposed to direct sunlight, hot pavement or confined spaces such as parked vehicles.
SPCA Monterey County recommends the following tips for keeping pets safe:
- Keep pets indoors when possible. If pets must be outside, provide shade and plenty of fresh water. Remember that shady areas can become sunny and dangerous as the position of the sun changes throughout the day.
- Never leave pets or children in parked cars. The interior of a vehicle can reach 120 degrees within minutes on a warm day, even with the windows cracked. Heat exposure can cause brain damage or death. California Penal Code 597.7 prohibits leaving an animal in a vehicle under conditions that could cause suffering or death. Anyone who sees a pet in distress should call the SPCA or 911 immediately.
- Protect pets’ paws. Pavement and asphalt can become hot enough to burn an animal’s feet. A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your pet’s paws.
- Exercise dogs during cooler hours. Walk and exercise dogs in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
- Know the signs of heatstroke. Heavy panting, lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination and collapse can indicate heatstroke. Move the pet to a cool area immediately and seek emergency veterinary care.
Pet owners are encouraged to plan ahead during periods of extreme heat and limit animals’ exposure to high temperatures.
More information about keeping pets safe during hot weather is available at SPCAmc.org/hot.
