Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA provides tips on keeping pets safe in heat

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA (CASPA) is providing tips to pet owners to keep their furry friends safe during the heat.

According to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA, dogs are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.

Breeds with short noses, like bulldogs, boxers and pugs, as well as older dogs and those with thick fur coats, are especially at risk.

Despite this, CASPA said the double-coated breeds like huskies and German shepherds can experience a greater heat risk when their coats are shaved, as their coats help insulate them from both heat and cold.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA provided the following tips to help keep dogs safe during the heat:

• Always provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowls on particularly hot days. You may have heard that ice water increases the risk of stomach torsion or “bloat” in dogs, but there is currently no research supporting this link.
• Walk your dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid hot pavement that can burn their paw pads.
• Ensure your pets have access to shaded areas whenever they are outside. A dog house does not provide relief from heat. Instead, use shade from trees or canopies.
• Never Leave Pets in Cars. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, leading to fatal heat stroke.
• Offer your pets frozen treats like ice cubes or pet-safe popsicles. You can make these at home using their favorite treats or just plain water. 
• Know the signs of heat stroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and collapse. If you suspect heat stroke, move your pet to a cooler area, offer water and contact your vet immediately. If your pet is unresponsive, transport them to the nearest emergency veterinarian immediately. 
• Consider a cooling vest for dogs who are active in the summer months, which extends the amount of time a dog can spend in hot water comfortably. The vests can be soaked in water, which allows dogs to get some of the benefits of evaporative cooling that humans get through sweating.

Anyone with cats should ensure they have access to cool, shaded areas and plenty of water, according to CASPA. For outdoor cats during heat waves, or if you have issues with your air conditioning, you can consider providing cooling mats or lightly damp towels for them to lie on.

Virginia residents should note that in the Commonwealth, it is illegal to leave an animal confined in a vehicle when the outside temperature is high enough to endanger the animal's health or safety.

In addition, pet owners should be aware that it is illegal to keep an animal tethered outside during a heat advisory.

If you see a dog in a hot car, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA said to take the following steps:

• Assess the situation. Determine if the animal is in immediate danger. Signs of heat distress include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and unresponsiveness.
• Take action. If the dog appears to be in distress, call 911 immediately. Provide the dispatcher with the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number.
• If possible, stay with the vehicle until help arrives. This ensures that you can provide updates on the animal’s condition and any actions taken.