PHOENIX – Summer’s scorching temperatures can be especially dangerous for animals. Local animal advocates share tips on how to care for your pet:
Keep them indoors
The best way to keep your pets cool is to keep them indoors where they won’t overheat.
Provide more water than you think they’ll need
If your pets are left outside, make sure they have plenty of water. You want to have spill proof plastic water bowls — metal heats water — that match the size of the animal.
“When pets get overheated the first thing they’re going to try to do is get into that water to cool down the pads of their feet and often times spill it,” said Bretta Nelson, spokeswoman for the Arizona Humane Society.
Make sure there’s shade
Make sure there is a shaded, ventilated area that your pet can go to to get out of the sun.
Never chain your animal
Dogs tend to get wrapped up in their chain and it prevents them from reaching water or getting to a shaded area.
Don’t leave them in cars
Mark Smith, an emergency animal medical technician said it’s better to leave your pet at home instead of taking them to the store or other places where animals aren’t allowed.
Walk your pet at the right time of day
The best times to exercise your pets are early in the morning and late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler.
Test the ground temperature
Before walking your pet outside, test how hot the ground is by holding your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand it’s too hot for your pets.