How to Protect Your Pets from Scorching Heat

The sweltering heat can take its toll on pets. But Port Washington animal lovers strive to keep pets healthy and happy in the summertime. 

"It's important to keep pets cool and comfortable as much as possible, taking them for short walks, making sure they stay well-hydrated, and not forcing them to do anything strenuous that they don't want to do," noted Sylvia Ottaka, director of operations of North Shore Animal League. 

The North Shore Animal League recommends these safety tips. Never leave animals in a hot car, even for a minute, which is all it takes to cause harm. Keep plenty of bowls of cool, clean water available. And never force pets to swim if they show fear, as some pets, even dogs, simply don't know how to swim.

Additionally,  don't allow pets to hang out of a moving car's window, 0r to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Keep them inside during thunderstorm and fireworks, which animals tend to find frightening. Also, check for fleas and ticks, and bites and stings. 

"I of course watch my cat closely in this terrible heat," noted Douglas Majano, a local cat owner. "I always make sure he has plenty of water and that he stays indoors as much as possible. He loves it, just curling up with the air-conditioning, not wanting to be bothered."

Diane Kaplan shared a similar experience about her beagle. "He just lies there all day in the shade and air-conditioning, basically king of the world," she said. "I watch him closely, and he does seem to not want to be outside to run around as much as usual. But then, I don't really want to be out there that long either, so it works out well."

The animal league says to call your veterinarian immediately when pets show signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, restlessness, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Should pets show heat distress, move them into a cooler area right away, cool them down with ice packs, and supply small bits of cool water or ice cubes to lick on the way to the local vet.