Too Hot to Trot – Keeping Your Pets Safe in Summer Heat

The dog days of summer may have passed, but we will still experience some sweltering days. Make sure you and your pets are cool and comfortable during summer heat by following these tips.

Protect paws from pavement

Like the ice and salt in winter, avoid exposing your dog’s paws to hot pavement or even hot beach sand. If you can’t walk on it in bare feet, your dog can’t and hot surfaces could burn their paws. Temperature check the surface with your bare hand, if it is uncomfortable then it’s probably too hot for your dog.

Plan walks on cooler times of day, in the shade and on grass if you can and don’t stay outside for too long. Check your dog’s paws after walks for blisters or redness and soak in cold water if you discover these injuries. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian.

Skip the stops where dogs aren’t allowed

Our furry companions mean so much to us that it is hard to leave them at home. But, taking them with us to run a few errands could end in heartbreaking tragedy on hot days. Even if you finished a walk with your dog at the park, skip that quick stop. Adding that last or impulsive stop at a store where no dogs are allowed isn’t worth leaving your pet in the car.

The air temperature rises the moment you turn off your car and the air conditioning. For example, in just 10 minutes (time to pop in and grab that dessert for dinner) at 29 degree Celsius outside, the temperature has risen to 40C inside the car, which is dangerous and potentially life threatening for your dog. If you can’t park in the shade, the temperature could be even higher.

Learn more about standards of pet care.

Heed signs of heat exhaustion

Just like humans, being outside for too long on extremely hot days can be dangerous and cause heat exhaustion in dogs. Unlike humans, they can’t tell you how they feel. Prevention is key and learning what to look for is important.

Offer your pet plenty of water and pay attention to their behaviour. If they are tired, dizzy, drooling, they feel hot to the touch, or if your dog’s nose is dry and hot, their body temperature could be too high. Get them somewhere cool, give them water and call your veterinarian if they don’t improve.

Keep your cool

If you can, install air conditioners and insulate if needed. Keep drapes closed or shades on windows that are in direct sunlight.

Learn more about coping with extreme heat weather conditions.

Get some shade

Take your dog to the park and enjoy the shade. Dog leash-free zones are fun for all if your dog is trained to manage being around other dogs. Find a find a leash-free zone in a park near you.

A quick reminder, when out walking your dog, keep them leashed unless you are in a designated off-leash area and to stoop and scoop after them. Use designated garbage bins or one of the City’s dog waste containers to discard dog waste.

When to call for help

Call 905-896-5858 24/7 if you notice an animal locked in a hot vehicle. Call 911 immediately if a person or pet’s life is at risk.

Learn more about animal emergencies and rescue.

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• Wildlife and Pets