(WBRE/WYOU) — As the temperatures rise across the Keystone State and many are taking steps to beat the heat, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is reminding pet owners how to keep their pets safe amid the summer heat.
The ASPCA provided pet owners with some pointers from their experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to keep their furry friends healthy this summer.
The non-profit says pets should pay the vet a visit for an early summer checkup and get tested for heartworm if they aren't already on year-round prevention medication.
Weather Alert: Excessive heat warnings in effect across Pa.
Like people, pets also need to stay hydrated. The animal-centric organization says that pets should get fresh, clean water often and that they should have a shady place to get out of the sun.
The ASPCA warns pet owners not to over-exercise their animal companions and to keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.
For overheating in pets, the non-profit says your pet could experience the following symptoms:
Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Increased heart and respiratory rate
Drooling
Mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse
Seizures
Bloody diarrhea and vomiting
Elevated body temperature of over 104°F
According to the ASPCA, pet owners should never leave their four-legged friends alone in a parked vehicle and as it's not only illegal in several states, but can also lead to fatal heat stroke.
According to the ASPCA, Pugs, Persian cats, and other animals with flat faces are more sensitive to heat stroke as they can't pant as effectively. They, along with overweight, elderly pets, and animals with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned areas as much as possible, the non-profit says.
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If your pet is going for a swim, the animal-centric organization advises pet owners not to leave them unsupervised around a pool. The ASPCA says pet owners should avoid letting them drink from the pool, ocean, or lake.
Pet owners are advised by the ASPCA to introduce pets to the water gradually, and they should wear flotation devices when on boats. Also, the non-profit adds that pet owners should rinse their pets off after swimming to remove salt or chlorine from their fur.
For dogs with longer hair, pet owners are advised by the non-profit to trim their hair and to never shave the dog. According to the ASCPA, the layers of a dog's coat can protect them from overheating and sunburns. Cat owners can also brush their pets and prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
As the sun beats down on the concrete and asphalt, the animal-centric organization urges pet owners not to let dogs linger on pavement during hot days, as they could heat up quickly, and even sensitive paw pads could burn.
With the Fourth of July and other patriotic holidays coming up, the ASPCA urges pet owners to never use fireworks around pets, as lit fireworks can possibly cause burns or trauma, and even unlit fireworks pose a threat as they contain hazardous materials.
Additionally, the non-profit says many pets are afraid of loud noises and can be scared, lost, or disoriented, and pet owners are advised to keep pets safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered, and escape-proof place.
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If you think your pet ate or was exposed to something possibly toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA APCC at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
