RUTHERFORDTON — With hot weather days becoming more common as the end of May approaches, animal welfare and animal rescue organizations are again advising the public to take care of your pets this summer season.
While it can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for humans dealing with hot temperatures and high humidity, the same is true for dogs and cats.
Important to remember, experts say, is to never leave your pet alone inside a parked vehicle.
According to the Humane Society, on a warm day, the temperature inside a car or truck can reach dangerous levels quickly. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly, can reach 102 degrees in about 10 minutes.
And after 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.
In these conditions, a pet can suffer organ damage, or die.
“Leaving your dog inside a car in warm weather is so dangerous,” said Karen Parker, executive director of Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue in Rutherfordton. “We still see that happening. And it just isn’t safe, even if it is only for a few minutes.”
“If you are going to the store and can’t take your dog inside with you, then leave the dog at home,” Parker continued. “You may think you’ll only be inside a minute or two, but it is almost always much longer than you think. Leave the dog at home, it is just too unsafe to leave a dog in a vehicle during warm weather.”
The experts also say, beware of high humidity. Just like with humans, high humidity makes hot temperatures even more dangerous for pets.
High humid conditions, make it harder for dogs to reduce their body heat themselves through “panting.”
According to the Humane Society, the dog’s body temperature can then skyrocket to dangerous, or even deadly, levels.
Pet owners are also advised to be cautious when exercising their dogs.
“On very hot days, exercise your dogs early int eh morning or in the evening, when it is not as hot,” Parker said.
The Humane Society sad to be especially careful with pets, with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and also with short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.
Also, dogs should be walked on grass, and not on hot asphalt which can burn a dog’s paws.
“If your pet is outside, make sure he has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink,” Parker added. “They also need plenty of shade.”