Pets Hot Weather Quick Tips for Keeping Safe

1. Never leave your pets in a parked vehicle.

Not even for a short time. Not even with the car is running and the AC on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 83-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 100 degrees within 10 minutes.

Don't leave animals ignored in a parked car. On an 83-degree day, temperatures inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes.

2. Try to bring pets inside, if possible. Please don't leave them in sheds or garages, because these structures can become very hot inside.

A small doghouse does not provide relief from the heat, unless airconditioned -- in fact, it worsens it.

If you have no choice but to leave your pets outdoors, make sure that they have plenty of cold water. Put ice cubes in your pet's water bowl, and keep the water out of the sun.

And shady spots in which to rest, such as under trees or tarps.

3. Limit exercise on hot days. Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust the intensity and duration of use by the temperature. On sweltering days, limit activity to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer than short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.

Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating.

4. Dog owners should be particularly careful about taking certain breeds out in the heat. Flat-faced dogs, such as Pugs and English Bulldogs, can overheat more quickly because they can have trouble panting, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA).

5. Don't rely on just a fan.

Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don't cool off pets as effectively as they do people. Bring your pet in and cool them off with some air conditioning if available.

6. Cool your pet inside and out.

Whip up a batch of easy DIY chop meat popsicles for dogs. (You can use chop meat, pack in ice cube trays, or another favorite food.) Your dog will love the snack and the cold. Provide plenty of water, whether your pets are in or out with you.

If your dog doesn't find baths stressful, see if she enjoys a cooling soak.

7. The Humane Society also advises watching for signs of possible heatstroke in your pet. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, and vomiting deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.

If your pet shows any of these signs, bring them to the nearest veterinarian or animal hospital. You are better safe than sorry, trying to treat any heatstroke on your own.