Heat wave and high humidity threaten the health of pets
With an oppressive heat wave set to settle in the region over the next few days, much of Massachusetts will be under a heat advisory, while the City of Boston has issued a heat-related emergency and the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) reminds pet owners to take steps to keep their pets comfortable and safe during this time.
Keep your pet safe and healthy by following these important basic guidelines:
- Prevention is always your best bet. If possible, leave your pet at home in a cool, humid, temperature-regulated room.
- If your pet must be outdoors, find a shaded area with enough air circulation to prevent overheating.
- Hydration is essential, so keep a bowl of cold water handy at all times.
- Limit exercise to the morning or evening hours, when temperatures are coolest. Besides heat, high humidity can cause respiratory problems for animals, especially animals with short snouts (eg pugs).
- Pay attention to surface temperatures. Asphalt, concrete or brick surfaces absorb heat and surface temperatures can exceed 145 degrees and can cause severe burns to your pet’s paws! Apply the 7 second rule: place the back of your hand on a surface and if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
- When temperatures rise, it is Too hot for Spot®! Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even with the air conditioning on or the windows cracked.
It is illegal in Massachusetts to keep an animal confined to a vehicle in extremely hot or cold conditions, and when a weather advisory is issued, it is also illegal to keep dogs tied up for more than five hours in any 24 hour period. hours.
Dogs also cannot be tied outside between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for a maximum of 15 minutes and in the presence of the owner/guardian.