Detroit Animal Care and Control (DACC) urges pet owners to protect pets from extreme heat conditions
As the City of Detroit continues to be under an extreme heat warning, Detroit Animal Care and Control wants to emphasize the importance of keeping pets cool this summer. If Detroiters see a pet in the heat for extended periods of time, they’re encouraged to call Detroit Animal Care and Control’s (DACC) call center 313-922-DOGS (3647), open seven days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dogs and cats, like humans, can experience heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and heat stress. Symptoms of heatstroke and heat stress that pet owners should look out for include bright red gums, vomiting, mobility weakness, heavy panting, diarrhea and drooling. If you recognize these symptoms in your pet, contact your vet.
Below are additional tips to help pets, especially dogs beat the heat.
- Limit time outside
- Avoid walks during peak sun time and walk in the early morning or evening.
- Avoid walks during peak sun time and walk in the early morning or evening.
- Hot pavement = hot paws
- If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s also too hot for their paws.
- If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s also too hot for their paws.
- Hydration is key
- Provide access to fresh, cool water.
- Regularly refill their bowl and add ice cubes.
- Offer frozen pet-friendly treats like watermelon.
- Never leave pets in parked cars
- It only takes 15 minutes for a dog to die of heatstroke.
- A vehicle can reach 120F degrees in a matter of minutes—even with the windows partially open.
- Never shave your dog’s hair down to the skin
- Thick-coated dogs shed to a lighter coat in the summer.
- Brush a dog’s coat more frequently to prevent heat-related issues.