Protecting your pets from the extreme heat

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (WTRF) – We’re not the only ones dealing with the heat. Extremely hot weather is particularly difficult on animals.

So, experts say the best place for your pets in this weather is in the house with you. Some dogs enjoy a quick dip in a baby pool.

But remember, the pavement is scorching hot, and your pet is always in its bare feet.

For outdoor animals including livestock, Julie Larish of Belmont County Hoof and Paw says shade is absolutely essential, and so is having plenty of cold water to drink at all times.

“Make sure that you refresh their water once in a while because it is. Best thing to do is get some milk jugs, fill them up with some water, freeze them, drop them in those troughs, drop in ice cubes into the pans, really helps cool them down. Understand a lot of the animals heat up from the inside out, so if you cool that inside, they’re going to be a lot better off on the outside. Make sure absolutely no dogs are left in cars.”

Julie Larish – Humane Agent, Belmont County Hoof and Paw

She says a doghouse or plastic igloo is not a good source of shade in the heat. A shade tree or covering on the top and sides of the kennel is much better, to block the sun from several angles.

If you can’t bring your pets in the house, Larish says bring them into the garage with a cool floor, and wet down an area for them to lie on.

Exercise should be kept to a minimum on days like this.

Animals enjoy running and playing but they don’t know how to self-regulate and they can heat up very quickly.

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