06/29/2026
🥵☀️ Extreme Heat Alert: Protect Your Pets This Week! ☀️🥵
The forecast is calling for very hot and humid weather over the next several days. Rule of thumb is, if it feels hot to you, it feels even hotter to your pets! Dogs and cats cannot cool themselves as efficiently as people, making them much more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
🐾 Keep your pets safe by following these tips:
💧 Provide fresh, cool water at all times.
🏡 Keep pets indoors in air conditioning whenever possible. If they must be outside, make sure they have plenty of shade and constant access to water.
🚶 Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
🔥 Test the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
🚗 Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can become deadly very quickly, even with the windows cracked.
🐶 Be extra cautious with:
• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers
• Senior pets
• Puppies and kittens
• Overweight pets
• Pets with heart or respiratory disease
⚠️ Know the signs of heat stroke:
• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Bright red or pale gums
• Drooling
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Disorientation or seizures
🚨 If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke:
Move them to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, wet them with cool water (especially the paws, belly, and groin), use a fan if available, and seek veterinary care immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
❤️ A little extra caution can help keep your furry family members safe and comfortable during this heat wave.
Stay cool and stay safe!
— The Transit Valley Animal Hospital Team 🐾