Keep your pets safe in Kansas City’s extremely hot temperatures with these tips
The battle to stay cool and protected during Kansas City’s extremely high temperatures this time of year affects more than humans. Pets need care, too.
Whether they’ve been in the car, on a long walk, or playing outside, here are some tips to keep them safe.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR PET IN A PARKED CAR
Even if the car is running and the air conditioning is on, you shouldn’t leave your pet inside. Temperatures inside a car can rise fast during the summer and that can cause harm to your pet.
It’s not illegal to leave your pet inside a parked car in Missouri or Kansas, but it’s legal for people to break into a car to rescue a pet if they’re left unattended inside.
Animals with flat faces — like pugs and Persian cats — are at an even higher risk because they can’t pant as effectively as other animals. They pant to take the heat away from their body and they can’t do that if they’re hot and tired.
These types of pets and older pets should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
LIMIT THEIR TIME OUTSIDE
If you go on a run with them or your pet has built-up energy from being inside all day, limit their time outside. On days when it’s extremely hot outside, spend your time in the early morning or evening hours when it’s cooling off.
The asphalt gets very hot on these types of days and that can burn their paws. If it’s possible, walk your pets on the grass.
If they’re going outside, make sure you give them plenty of water and give them a shaded place to relax. The Humane Society recommends tarp or tree shades over dog houses, as those don’t restrict airflow.
After they’ve returned from the outdoors, you should cover them with a cooling body wrap.
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS I SHOULD LOOK FOR?
If you think your pet’s suffering from heatstroke after being outside, here’s what you should look for:
If they’re panting heavily and can’t calm down even when lying down
A brick red gum color
They have a fast pulse rate or a rapid heartbeat
If they can’t get up
Do you have any other tips on keeping your pets safe and cool when it’s hot outside? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com
