Important Tips for Keeping Pets Safe During Extreme Heat
MONTEREY COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, through 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. To protect animals from dangerous temperatures, SPCA Monterey County provides the following recommendations:
Precautions for Pet Owners
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Keep Pets Indoors: If necessary for pets to be outside, ensure there is plenty of shade and fresh water available. Remember that shady spots can become sunlit as the sun moves throughout the day.
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Never Leave Pets in Cars: The temperature inside a parked vehicle can escalate to 120 degrees in just minutes, leading to severe brain damage or death. California Penal Code 597.7 explicitly prohibits leaving animals in confined spaces under conditions that may cause suffering or death. If you witness a pet in distress, call the SPCA or 911 immediately.
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Protect Their Paws: Pavement can become incredibly hot and may burn your pet’s feet. A simple way to test this is by placing the back of your hand on the pavement for a few seconds. If it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
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Exercise Early or Late: Plan walks and playtime for early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
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Recognize Heatstroke: Signs include heavy panting, lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination, or collapse. Should you observe these symptoms, move the pet to a cooler area and seek emergency veterinary assistance.
Additional Resources
Pet owners should prepare for extreme heat and limit their animals’ exposure to high temperatures. For more information on keeping pets safe during hot weather, visit SPCAmc.org/hot.
