News Release
INDIANAPOLIS – September may signal the start of fall, but hot weather can still pose a serious risk to pets. Pet Friendly Services is reminding Indiana pet owners not to let their guard down as late-summer heat and humidity continue across the state.
As routines shift toward fall and temperatures begin to fluctuate, a warm September day can still become dangerous for pets, particularly during walks, outdoor activities, or time spent in vehicles. Unlike people, pets cannot cool themselves as efficiently. Dogs primarily regulate their body temperature by panting, while cats may hide signs of heat stress until they become seriously ill.
“By September, it can be easy to assume the most dangerous summer heat is behind us, but pets can still overheat quickly on a hot day,” said Cheri Storms, executive director of Pet Friendly Services. “Continuing a few simple precautions through these warmer days can help keep pets safe.”
Pet Friendly Services recommends the following tips:
- Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even when outdoor temperatures feel relatively comfortable, the inside of a vehicle can heat up quickly. Cracking the windows does not make a parked vehicle safe for pets.
- Pay attention to the temperature, not the calendar. September weather can vary significantly from day to day. On warmer days, outdoor activities should be treated as they would be during the height of summer.
- Exercise during the coolest parts of the day. Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.
- Check the pavement before walking. If pavement is too hot to comfortably hold a hand against for seven seconds, it can also be too hot for a pet’s paws.
- Provide plenty of fresh water and shade. Pets spending time outdoors should always have access to clean drinking water and a shaded area.
- Bring pets indoors when temperatures climb. Air conditioning is the safest option during extreme heat. Fans alone do not cool pets as effectively as they cool people.
- Watch for signs of heat stress. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, bright red gums, difficulty breathing, collapse, or confusion can indicate overheating.
If a pet shows signs of heatstroke, owners should move them to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of cool, not ice-cold, water if they are alert, apply cool water to their body, and seek veterinary care right away. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can become fatal without prompt treatment.
Certain pets are at greater risk, including puppies and kittens, senior pets, overweight animals, pets with heart or respiratory disease, and flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Persian cats, and Himalayan cats.
Pet Friendly Services also encourages pet owners to keep heat safety in mind during September festivals, sporting events, hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities. Even as cooler mornings and evenings return, afternoon temperatures can still become uncomfortable or dangerous for pets.
“Fall weather will be here soon, but until temperatures consistently cool down, pet owners should continue watching the forecast and planning outdoor time accordingly,” Storms said.
