Tips to keeping your pets safe during hot days

SALT LAKE CITY — If you are going to be out enjoying the warm weather this weekend, Salt Lake County Animal Services offers a few tips to pet owners to help them keep their pets safe on hot days.

Hot days mean hot cars for pets

On a near perfect day when outside temperatures are in the 70s, the inside of a vehicle can reach up to 116 degrees in 10 minutes, according to Salt Lake County Animal Services. Cracking a window or parking in the shade will not make a difference for a pet inside a hot vehicle. 

Inside a vehicle with such heat, pets, like dogs, can suffer heatstroke, permanent brain damage or possibly even die. If you see a pet inside a hot car that appears to be in distress, you are asked to call Salt Lake County Animal Service’s Dispatch number immediately at 801-840-4000.

Salt Lake County Animal Services warns to never break a window on your own because you could be held responsible for the damages.

Avoid hot pavement

During the summer, pets can burn their paws on pavement, says. If you wonder if the pavement is too hot for your pet, test it out yourself. Salt Lake County Animal Services says to place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your pet to walk on.

Additionally, Salt Lake County Animal Services says to walk your dog in the morning and again later in the evening. And when you are going to be gone to for an extended period of time, leave your pet at home.

Don’t leave pets on hot balconies

Even with a cover, a balcony can get hot quickly. Salt Lake County Animal Services says a dog left on a balcony may try to escape and could injure itself. A bowl of water can easily be overturned, which can lead the dog to becoming dehydrated. 

For additional information on keeping your pets safe in hot weather, click here. 

Read more:

• 5 ways to keep your pets safe this Halloween
• Cat stolen from Salt Lake PetSmart found hours later at a store in Murray

 

 

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