Peoria Standard

As late summer brings extreme heat and high humidity to Illinois, both people and pets face increased risks. To ensure the safety of pets during a heatwave, the Humane Society offers several guidelines.

First and foremost, never leave a pet in a parked car. Even with the air conditioner running, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for instance, the temperature inside a car with slightly opened windows can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes and 120 degrees after 30 minutes. Such conditions can cause irreversible organ damage or death to pets.

Dr. Barbara Hodges of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes the dangers of high humidity: “High humidity amplifies the negative impact of high temperature on your pet—and in combination, these factors magnify the danger zone.” She explains that animals cool themselves by panting, but high humidity hampers this process, causing their body temperature to rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

Exercise should be limited on hot days. Pet owners are advised to adjust exercise intensity and duration according to the temperature. It is best to exercise pets early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler. Special care should be taken with pets that have white-colored ears prone to skin cancer and short-nosed breeds that typically have difficulty breathing.

Asphalt can become very hot and burn a pet’s paws; therefore, walking dogs on grass is recommended whenever possible. Carrying water during walks helps prevent dehydration.

Pets need ample shade and water when outside. Adding ice to water during heatwaves can help keep it cool. Tree shade and tarps are preferable as they do not obstruct airflow, unlike doghouses which can exacerbate heat issues.

Cooling measures such as DIY pupsicles for dogs or letting them play in sprinklers or small pools can help reduce their body temperature quickly. Cooling body wraps, vests, or mats soaked in cool water provide relief for up to three days without becoming wet.

Pet owners should watch for signs of heatstroke which include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue colorations, seizures, and unconsciousness. If any symptoms appear, move the pet into a cooler environment immediately and apply ice packs or cold towels while offering small amounts of cool water before seeking veterinary care.

Particular attention should be given to very old or young animals as well as those overweight or suffering from heart or respiratory diseases since they are at higher risk for heatstroke. Breeds like boxers, pugs shih tzus with short muzzles also struggle more in extreme heat due to breathing difficulties.

Following these steps will help keep pets safe during Illinois' end-of-summer heatwave.

___