FACT FINDERS: Heat can hurt your pets more quickly than you think
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - As southern Arizona heats up, we can’t forget about our pets.
Every year, hundreds of dogs and cats die in the heat. Arizona pet owners have been arrested for leaving their dogs in the car, or even hiking with their pets when it’s too hot. But even responsible pet owners have blind spots.
Unlike friends and family, pets can’t tell us when they need help and that means we have to look out for them.
In Arizona, that means awareness of pavement pain. It’s best to walk in the morning or night when it’s cooler. Use the back of your hand to test. If the pavement hurts your hand, it can cause serious burns to paw pads.
“Listen” to your pet. If they’re acting tired or sitting down during walking or playing, get them inside, give them cool water, and wet them down with some, too.
“We have to be very careful when they’re outside playing in the heat that they’re hydrated and they don’t get overheated,” said Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian and author of The Ultimate Pet Guide. “Remember our dogs don’t think ahead per se - they’re very good at living in the moment, which means they can get overheated and end up with heat stroke which can be a very life-threatening situation.”
If that happens, don’t use an ice pack - they decrease blood flow and can actually heat dogs up more.
Male and younger dogs are at greater risk for exercise-related heat stroke because they’re less likely to stop on their own before they get sick. Flat-face breeds and older dogs are more likely to die just sitting in hot temps in general, including in your car.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says every year, hundreds of pets die in vehicles. In one hour, your vehicle’s inside temp can already measure more than 40 degrees higher than outside. Cracking the windows makes no difference. Just like with children, don’t leave your pet, even for just for a few minutes.
Arizona’s good Samaritan law protects people who break into cars to prevent a child or pet from suffering. Call 911, use reasonable means to remove the animal, and wait for police, who could arrest the owner.
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