Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council

Hot Weather Pet Safety Tips

• Never leave your pet alone inside a vehicle. A car can overheat even when the window has been opened slightly. Even if the temperature isn’t too hot outside, your car can get up to 20 degrees warmer. Always check to make sure that dogs are welcome where you are going, otherwise leave them at home.
• Give your pet extra water. Always make sure that your dog or cat has plenty of fresh water to drink. If your dog enjoys ice cubes as a treat, add them to the bowl!
• Avoid hot ground surfaces. While walking your dog outdoors, pay particular attention to the pavement, sidewalks, or sand. Check the temperature with your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
• Don’t leave your pet outdoors for a long time. If your dog has to be left outdoors for a while, make sure they have plenty of access to shade such as trees, a covered patio, or cool spot under the porch. Apply a pet specific or hypoallergenic sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose, tips of ears and belly especially if they have light or thin fur.
• Know the signs of overheating. If your dog or cat begins very rapid, noisy breathing, has trouble swallowing, and starts to look very distressed, they could be having a heatstroke. Get the animal out of the heat. Apply cold, wet towels to the back of the head. Place cold packs wrapped in towels or plain wet towels between the back legs and on the belly. Cool off your pet and take them to the veterinarian immediately.