Hot weather and your pet

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The National Weather Service is warning of oppressive heat today. Hot weather can spell danger for your pets. Like you, your pet can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke or death.

Pets enclosed in parked vehicles are at great risk. The temperature inside a parked car can reach dangerous levels of 120° in just a matter of minutes. Just 15 minutes can be enough for an animal's body temperature to climb from a normal 102.5°, according to Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA. Pet owners should never leave their animals unattended in a parked car for any period of time, even with the car windows partially open.

"Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke when trapped in these high temperatures," said Chief Gross.

Dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. A person shall not confine a companion animal in a motor vehicle in extreme temperatures. It is against the law in New York State.

Your pet can become dehydrated quickly, so provide them with clean fresh water. Make sure they have a shady area to keep out of the sun. An appropriate shelter must be provided for dogs left outside.

Know the warning signs. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing with excessive panting, weakness and possible seizures. Finally, if your pet exhibits any unusual symptoms, take your pet directly to a veterinarian—it could save their life.

Remember, if you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action. It takes only minutes to save a life! Please don't become another statistic.

Note the car make, model, color and plate number, then go to the nearest stores and ask the managers to page the owner.

Call the police or the Suffolk County SPCA who have the authority to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.

For Information on your horse and heat, visit this website.

Rabbits can also be adversely affected by extremes of temperature. Heat stroke can occur in a rabbit at 80 degrees. Make sure the rabbit is kept our of the sun.

Please take precautions to ensure that your pet is safe.

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