- Place cooling mats, ice packs, or a pop bottle filled with frozen water in pet’s beds.
- Keep freshwater bowls in several rooms.
- The twins' fur is trimmed with hair scissors for summer comfort. I hold their fur between two flat fingers and cut ON TOP of the fingers, avoiding clipping their skin. It often takes several days for a complete haircut.
- Keep pets at home in the air conditioner and shade. To lower home temperatures, place tin foil or car window shades on windows.
- Check lake reports to make sure the green algae that kills dogs is not present.
- Place a bag/block of ice or a wet towel in front of a fan for an instant air conditioner.
- Cold food and water are not good for anyone’s digestion. Serve room temperature and place leftovers in fridge to prevent spoiling.
- We paw-chased a stainless-steel drinking fountain. Glass and metal are safest because they do not attract bacteria like plastic. The cats were at first nervous, so we placed their favorite treats at the base forcing them to touch the fountain to ‘catch’ their treats. Now they think the fountain is a treat dispenser too!
- Outside shade is imperative. Invest in a misting hose or a kiddie pool for pets to cool down.
- Erect an overhead shade cloth or covering for livestock and chickens' relief/shade.
- Garden shade cloth covering windows cools house temperatures.
- Myster E and Whyspurr’s fur, paws and ears are rubbed with a wet cloth to lower their temperature.
- Place a wet bandana on pets.
- Dogs should NEVER ride in uncovered pickup truck beds. The hot-metal floor burns paw pads. Also, dogs can be thrown out with sudden breaking or on a sharp curve and be killed or kill someone, as they act like a missile!
- Test pavement temperatures with your hand. If it is too hot for the back of your hand, it will burn your pet’s paw pads. (93'F means asphalt is 130').
- Skip the dog park and walks during the heat of the day. Walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots. If your pet’s paws have been burned, contact your veterinarian.
- Place water out for birds and wildlife.
- Heat exhaustion is serious. Phone veterinarian even if your pet appears to be recovering. Symptoms: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting and lack of coordination. If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion immediately consult your veterinarian.
Oregon's “Good Samaritan” law (dogs/kids in hot cars) states the following:
Anyone – not just law enforcement – may enter a motor vehicle, “by force or otherwise,” to remove an unattended child or domestic animal without fear of criminal or civil liability if certain requirements are met. It is best to contact law enforcement before taking action.
To fulfill these requirements, a person must: Determine that the motor vehicle is locked or there is no reasonable method for the child or animal to exit without assistance. Have a reasonable belief that the animal or child is in imminent danger of suffering harm. Notify law enforcement or emergency services either before or soon after entering the vehicle.
Use minimum force necessary to enter the vehicle and stay with the animal or child until law enforcement, emergency services, or the owner or operator of the vehicle arrives.
Many electric vehicles have “dog modes” or appear to be not running. These vehicles may seem to be off but can have a climate controlled inside with air conditioning on for the animal.
*If your pet loses consciousness or seems severely ill (vomiting, seizing etc.) get to a veterinary hospital immediately.
