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Keeping pets safe this summer

The BCSPCA offers tips to keep pets safe from the summer heat
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Keep exercise to a minimum in the heat and if you are taking your dog for a walk or run do it early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

In addition to keeping pets safe at home in hot weather, the BCSPCA recommends the following to keep pets safe in hot weather:

• Keep exercise to a minimum in the heat and if you are taking your dog for a walk or run do it early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler

• Make sure you always have plenty of water for your pet - always keep them hydrated.

• Let your dog walk on grass or dirt if possible as hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws.

• If you have pets who are outdoors (this also applies to horses and farm animals) ensure they have access to shade, shelter and easy access to water.

• If you have smaller pets at home who are in cages (hamsters, etc) make sure their cages are not near a window or in direct sunlight.

If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke, you should do the following:

• Immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place

• Wet the dog with cool water

• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This will cool the blood, which reduces the animal’s core temperature.

• Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow, which will inhibit cooling.

• Allow the dog to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available)

• Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.

“Your dog will be much happier – and safer – at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water,” says the BCSPCA’s Lorie Chortyk. “It is such a preventable tragedy.”