Pets may not be able to talk to us, but there are some signs to look for to stay aware when it comes to their safety in the heat.
TYLER, Texas — Nobody likes to be kept indoors, including our furry friends! But one thing to keep in mind is the danger of heat.
Dr. Noor Faisal, a veterinarian at Shelly Drive Animal Clinic, said while people are no stranger to the summer heat, pet owners need to be extremely cautious this time of year.
“If it’s too hot outside for people, then it’s certainly hot for the pets. Pets body temperature is a little bit higher than human temperature to begin with. And so pets tend to get heat exhaustion a lot quicker,” Noor said.
Temperatures that might not feel warm to a person can still cause heat stress to pets.
“Anything above 75 degrees outside, you just have to be cautious and have to monitor your pets pretty closely, but if it's above 80 degrees you certainly want to try to keep your pets inside,” Noor said.
While pets may not be able to say they need a break, there are also a few signs to keep an eye out for when it comes to protecting pets.
“Panting and anxiety is one thing, if they’re clawing at the door or acting like they’re in a panic mode, that can be a big indication. If they start becoming pale or even super bright red in the gums, those are signs too. If they’re walking a bit wobbly that can be a big indicator that they’re undergoing some heat stress,” Noor said.
If one or two dogs or cats is a lot to handle, imagine shelters like the SPCA of East Texas. Bringing in pets in need and making sure they receive the best care is the nonprofit's goal, even when they have to battle the heat.
“One of the benefits of this facility is we have extensive indoor and outdoor space. We really try to make sure that we’re putting our dogs and our cats on a schedule where they can be outdoors at the cooler time of day this time of year,” said Emily Hegleund, executive director of the SPCA of East Texas.
The SPCA of East Texas has plenty of shaded outdoor space as well as indoor space when the weather isn’t ideal to play outside. But for the safety of the shelter pets and volunteers and anyone's pets, the best time to get outside is in the morning.
“Anywhere from 7 to 10 a.m., and then usually by 10 or 11 we’re trying to bring everybody in because it does get hot quickly once the sun comes out,” Hegleund said.
