Your WPBF First Warning Weather Team is forecasting a streak of temperatures in the 90s during late spring. Here is what you need to know to make sure your pets stay safe as temperatures rise.
If it is too hot for you, then it is too hot for your dog. Certain surfaces can feel even hotter under direct sunlight when temperatures reach the 90s. At 90 degrees, asphalt can heat up to 140 degrees, and sand can feel as hot as 120 degrees. Avoiding taking your pets out during the peak heat hours can also prevent heat exhaustion.
Dr. Alyssa Comroe, a veterinarian and now CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, said, “So what to look for, if there’s excessive drooling, excessive panting, bright red gums, bright red tongue. If your animal is being lethargic or if they have collapsed, that’s an emergency. You can try to cool them down yourself.”
Experts say to avoid using ice-cold water to cool them down and to use cool water instead. It is also recommended that you take the pet to a hospital or to the vet immediately if your dog doesn’t show signs of improvement.
“They can have organ failure, clotting disorders and they can die from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. So please be careful as Florida is heating up,” Comroe said.
Experts also say to never leave a pet in a vehicle alone. And to also plan the longer walks early in the morning or closer to sundown when it starts to cool off.
