Keeping your pets safe during a heat wave

It’s no big news that we are experiencing dangerously hot temperatures in the region this July. With the extreme weather response activated, it is crucial to remember the impact of hot temperatures on our furry companions

With record breaking numbers recorded on the mercury , here are just some of the ways you can keep your four-legged friends safe this summer according to the City of Edmonton:

All pets, especially dogs, are vulnerable to excessive heat. Dogs are often left in vehicles and cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans, making them particularly susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn.

To ensure pets are safe during hot weather, it’s best to leave them at home unless you’re heading to a pet-friendly location and returning home immediately.

Even on seemingly cool days, the inside of a car can become dangerously hot in minutes. For instance, when it’s 15°C outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 28°C within 15 minutes.

What to look out for:

Health risks for animals include heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Signs of distress include:

Excessive panting
Diarrhea
Drooling
Weakness, tremors, convulsions
Vomiting
Reddening and flushing of the skin on the inside of the ears
Dry mouth
Confusion
Fainting
Trouble walking

How to help a pet left in a hot car

Take down the car’s make, model, licence plate number and exact location.
If the dog is in distress, call 911.
If the owner can’t be found nearby, call 311 and wait by the car for Animal Control Officers to arrive.

Leaving an animal in a hot car and causing it to be in distress may result in fines or charges under the Animal Protection Act and/or the Criminal Code of Canada.

Statistics on pets in hot cars incidents