A small pool is a good way to keep dogs, like Bauer here, from getting overheated. (bauer.thehusky/Instagram)

By Rob Mahon

Keeping Pets Cool

Heat wave brings safety concerns for pet owners

Jul 15, 2022 | 5:00 PM

If people are keenly feeling the heat, especially during these warmer days, they should imagine how it would feel covered in a thick fur coat.

Animal safety during the heatwaves is a big concern for pet owners. As temperatures bounce back and forth around the line for a heat warning, the Prince Albert SPCA has some tips for keeping your furry friends safe.

One of the first tips is not to leave animals in vehicles, said Ashlee Bober, shelter manager of the Prince Albert SPCA.

“If they can stay home, they should stay home. Or, if they’re going with you, they should come in with you because it take a matter of minutes for an animal to get overheated in a vehicle.”

At the shelter and for regular pet owners, the principles of keeping their pet safe from the heat are mostly the same. Not leaving a pet outdoors for long is one of the major ones.

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“I know when our dogs are spending time outdoors, the time frame is quite short because they cannot handle being out in the heat very long,” said Bober. “Definitely where you can have shade, make sure you’re having shade.”

Another popular way to keep dogs cool, which the shelter does and which people can do fairly easily at home, is to buy a little kiddie pool for them to splash around in. Pet owners can add to that as well with some frozen treats.

“I’ll put things like frozen sardines or frozen treats in the pool so my dogs have to kind of bob for their treats,” Bober said. “My dogs find that very entertaining.”

Among the best homemade frozen treats for dogs is a Kong or other rubber dog toy filled with peanut butter and left in the freezer for the dog to lick at. People can also buy other such treats at pet stores.

As for the dog’s activity, some dogs will have high enough energy levels that they’ll still need walks despite the heat. When they do, pet owners will want to keep a close eye on them as the hot weather takes effect on them far faster than it does on people.

“You definitely need to think about keeping their paws safe from the temperature the cement is,” said Bober. “The temperature of cement is really, really hot and will very quickly burn their pads. There are little boots you can buy to protect them.”

Bober adds people should try to walk their dogs in areas that are well shaded and bring lots of water for them on those walks. She also said a lot of panting or slow movements could be a sign that dogs needs to come in.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP