CA Heat Advisory For Pets: What You Need To Know

CALIFORNIA — As temperatures rise throughout the Golden State, it's important to ensure the safety of dogs, cats and other pets during a heat wave.

The National Weather Service forecast an excessive heat warning for much of southern California through Wednesday evening. In the Bay Area, temperatures were predicted to reach 110 degrees in some areas this week.

"We’re starting to get right into the thick of it," NWS meteorologist Gerry Diaz said Wednesday, according to the Mercury News. "We’re right on track. Best to stay out of it if you can."

During times of extreme heat, it essential to check up on children, the elderly and your furry friends.

Most urgently, animal advocacy groups urge Californians to never leave pets inside a locked vehicle, even for short periods of time, since the interior of a vehicle parked in the heat can quickly turn deadly.

The San Diego Humane Society offered the following 10 tips to keep pets safe this week:

1. Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal. When away from home, carry a thermos with fresh water.

2. Leave your pets at home as much as possible. While you may think that they will be lonely, they will be much more comfortable in your cool home than riding in a hot car.

3. If you must take your pet along for the ride, don’t leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace. If the temperature outside is 80 degrees, the temperature inside your car can quickly climb to 120 degrees.

4. In extremely hot weather, don’t leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. Your canine companion is much closer to the hot asphalt and his body can heat up quickly. His paws can also burn on hot asphalt or concrete. If you’re going to be on hot pavement, consider bringing along a towel or blanket for your dog to rest on, giving his pads a break from the sweltering heat of the pavement. Be sure to allow for plenty of breaks and find shady spots to cool off.

5. Don’t force your animal to exercise in hot, humid weather. Exercise your pet in the cool of the early morning or evening. Never run your dog next to a bike during the heat. In addition to the hot air, the hot pavement increases the risk for heat stroke.

6. Dogs can get sunburned too — don’t forget to protect hairless and light-coated dogs with sunscreen.

7. Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside the house. Bring your pet inside during the heat of the day and let them rest in a cool part of your house. If you take your dog to the beach or park, make sure you can provide a shaded spot for resting.

8. A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your pet well groomed.

9. Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a summer checkup. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

10. Be alert for the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red tongue. If you believe your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian right away — it could save your pet's life.

If you discover that your pet has overheated, slowly immerse them in cool water — but not ice-cold water. Pet owners should also contact their local veterinarian if a pet has severely overheated.

A pet may be overheating if they are excessively panting, having difficulty breathing, drooling or showing signs of stupor and weakness, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Animals with flat faces — think pugs and Persian cats — are more sensitive to heat and may be more susceptible to heatstroke since they cannot pant as well as other breeds, SPCA said.

As Californians host summer barbeques this summer, SPCA also advised pet owners to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets and avoid feeding the following foods to cats and dogs: Raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Pet owners should also never leave their pets alone as they head out to celebrate on July 4 and fireworks should not be used near pets, SPCA said.

"Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can contain hazardous materials," SPCA said. "Many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented, so it’s best to keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home."

For more safety tips and information, visit SPCA's website.