During periods of extreme heat, it is important to keep not only ourselves safe, but also our pets, said County Judge Executive Assistant Lyndsey Schroeder.
Schroeder, along with Bastrop County Animal Services, offered tips to help keep pets safe and recognize when they are in danger.
What you need to know
According to the Humane Society website, pets process heat differently than humans, noting that they sweat primarily through their feet. Because of this, it is important to stay vigilant to keep them safe.
Bastrop County Animal Services officials provided the following tips to avoid heat-related illnesses in pets during extreme heat:
- Never leave a dog in a parked car.
- Do not put animals in a truck bed.
- Keep pets indoors with fresh water to drink.
- If the pets must be outside, make sure they have fresh water, adequate shade, fans and misters.
- Avoid over-exercising.
- Avoid hot pavement.
- Dogs with short muzzles have less tolerance for heat and should be kept in the air conditioning.
Zooming in
Heat-related illnesses in pets can come on quickly during extreme temperatures—especially in pets who are very old, very young, overweight, have heart or respiratory disease, or are not conditioned to prolonged exercise, according to the Humane Society.
To recognize if a pet is experiencing distress, county officials, along with the Humane Society, suggested owners look for the following:
- Panting
- Pacing
- Glazed or red eyes
- Drooling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Profuse salivation
- Vomiting
- Red gums or tongue
What else?
If owners find a pet in distress, officials said they should move the pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Next, cold towels or ice packs should be applied to the pet's head, neck and chest—or cool water can be poured over them. The pet should also drink small amounts of cool water, or lick ice cubes.
In addition to contacting a veterinarian, Schoeder said there are several resources for residents to report a pet in distress, whether their own or a stray, including:
- City of Bastrop, 512 332-8800
- City of Elgin, 512-281-5724
- City of Smithville, 512 237-3228
- Bastrop County, 512 549-5160
"It is crucial for our pets during these exceptionally hot times," Schroeder said. " Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, but with some careful planning and attention, we can help our furry friends stay cool and comfortable."
