U.S. Heat Wave Dangerous for Your Pets – Keep Them Safe

The excessive heat warnings currently impacting people across 32 states from the central Plains to all along the East Coast are also dangerous for your pets. The American Red Cross offers these tips you can follow to keep your pets safe when the temperatures rise:

1. Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
2. Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer weather.
   1. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
3. Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are:
   1. Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down.
   2. Brick red gum color
   3. Fast pulse rate
   4. Unable to get up.
4. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally.
   1. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees.
   2. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

Pet owners can also download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app or going to redcross.org/apps.

You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace. The interactive course includes:

How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so owners can notice if there are any irregularities

Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure

Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being