Clackamas County Government: Keep Your Pet Safe On Hot Days

Oregon City OR

08 July, 2021

10:36 AM

Description

Press release from the Clackamas County Government: 7/7/2021 Here are some tips on how to keep your furry friend cool during the summer: Never leave a pet in a parked car on a hot day. Temperatures inside a car can soar quickly to dangerous levels even if the outside temperature is in the 70s. Leave your pet at home during warm or hot weather. Be sure your pet has access to shade or a cool room and to plenty of drinking water. Exercise your dog early or late in the day to avoid the hottest times of the day. Remember that paw pads can easily burn on hot pavement. The rule is: if you cannot rest the back of your hand on the surface for more than 5 seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on. Prevent sunburn by keeping your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and rubbing sun block (that is approved for use on pets) on unprotected areas such as the skin around the lips, tip of the nose and ears. Watch for signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, confusion and/or collapse. If heatstroke is suspected, call a veterinarian immediately and apply cool (not ice cold) water-soaked towels to hairless areas of the animal's body (armpits, stomach, feet) while applying moving air (from a fan or AC vent) to lower its temperature.  CMap Contact the County Report a Hazard Civil Rights, Equity, and Workforce Character Employee Directory Commissioner Mark Shull   Sheriff Angela Brandenburg Treasurer Brian Nava This press release was produced by the Clackamas County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.