King County residents are encouraged to prepare their dogs and cats for hot weather over the next few days as temperatures are predicted to soar.
“Remember that the animals are wearing a fur coat 24 hours a day so humans need to help them stay cool and not overexert them when it’sis hot outside,” says King County Animal Care and Control Communications Specialist Nancy McKenney. ”Even temperatures in the 70s can be dangerous for pets if they don’t have adequate shade, water and ventilation.”
Leave pets at home rather than taking them on errands in the car which can act like an oven; the inside temperature rises quickly, even in the shade with the windows cracked. Animals left in a hot car for even a short amount of time can suffer from heatstroke or die.
If a dog or cat becomes overheated, apply cool water or cold towels to their head, neck and chest, and quickly take the animal to a veterinarian.
There are other hot weather dangers: hot pavement can burn animals’ paws, and the skin on a dog’s nose can sunburn. So be sure animals have access to shade and plenty of fresh, cool water while outdoors. For additional precautions, consult your pet’s veterinarian.
By taking simple precautions recommended by King County Animal Care and Control, pets and their human companions can have fun in the sun, and have it made in the shade.
