Summer is here in Oakland County, bringing fun, sunshine and the heat. As families are heading to the beach, movie theaters, libraries and other air-conditioned places, it’s important to keep dogs and cats comfortable at home. Below are tips and reminders for pet owners.
Do
- Keep a fresh bowl of ice-cold water where pets can access it easily.
- Provide a fan for your pets, especially in their sleeping areas.
- Give dogs cool showers indoors or provide a shaded kiddie pool or splash pad outdoors.
- Ensure outside time is brief.
- Go for early morning or late evening walks when temperatures are lower.
- Invest in cooling beds/mats, towels or vests for animals.
- Brush out excess fur to help them stay cool and protected from the sun. Consider buying UV-protective shirts for dogs with thin fur or excess visible skin.
Don’t
- Keep your dog outside 24/7.
- Leave your dog unattended outside, even if you have a fence.
- Lock your pet in a parked car. If you see a dog in a car in a parking lot, see if the car is running with air conditioning. Check if the dog is panting heavily and drooling. If the dog is in immediate danger, alert management of the business, call 911 and stay nearby.
- Take your dog on walks during elevated temperatures, which can cause burned paws and heat-related illness. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, when the air temperature is 86, the asphalt temperature registers 135.
For more pet safety tips, follow the Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center on Facebook and Instagram.
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