San Antonio Animal Rescue Gives Advice for Keeping Pets Protected Amidst Heatwave
Ensuring Your Pets are Safe During Heatwaves
For dog lovers in San Antonio, the summer heat can be a cause for concern. While many of us are able to cool down relatively easily, our beloved pets may struggle to cope with the sweltering temperatures of around 98 degrees that hit the city during the heat of the summer.
God’s Dogs, a non-profit animal rescue organization located in the city, has recently offered their advice on how to keep dogs safe throughout these extreme weather conditions. Their central message to pet owners is to stay aware of the state of the ground as this can pose serious risks to their pets’ paws.
The Dangers of Heated Surfaces
“You need to pay attention to what’s going on the surface of the ground,” warns Debbie Davis, the director of operations at God’s Dogs. “It can burn the pads of your animals’ feet within less than 60 seconds.”
It is difficult for pet owners to comprehend how dangerous the surface temperatures can be during a heatwave. A surface that is exposed to a mere 95-degree heat can in fact be hot enough to severely injure a dog’s paws, simply due to their sensitive nature and close proximity to the ground.
Unfortunately, this is overlooked often and our beloved pets suffer as a consequence. “I think there needs to be more awareness of what’s really going on when it comes to the surface, the ground that we’re walking on with the temperatures and the fact that dogs don’t cool down the way you and I do,” Davis adds.
How to Detect Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
While the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs may take a while to pick up on, getting your pet quickly to a cooler area is crucial for preventing any health concerns. According to the American Kennel Club, dog owners should thoroughly monitor their pets for the following signs:
- Gasping for air
- Thickened saliva
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizure
The concerns laid out by Davis draws attention to the severity of this problem, stating, “If they can’t get enough heat expelled to cool themselves down, then you have a problem and you put them into a really sensitive position to overheat very quickly.”
Preventive Measures
As a means of cooling a dog down, owners should utilize tepid water and fans as soon as heat exhaustion signs become apparent. Davis also suggests that controlling the time of a dog’s walk can greatly reduce the risk. He recommends that dogs should be taken for walks before 9 a.m. or after the sun sets.
Another easy test a pet owner can do is to check the pavement with their own hand or bare foot before walking their pet. “If it’s not comfortable for you, odds are it’s not comfortable for your dog,” adds Davis.
Conclusion
With its efforts focused on keeping all dogs safe this summer, God’s Dogs continues to inspire and help pet owners in San Antonio. They remind us to stay mindful about our pets’ safety during a heatwave and to implement necessary precautions where possible. For more information on God’s Dogs, visit their official website.
