CARE4PAWS Urges Pet Owners to Take Heat Precautions

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - As temperatures rise across the Central Coast, CARE4PAWS is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions to protect animals from the heat.

Pets can overheat quickly, especially when they are outside during the hottest part of the day. CARE4PAWS recommends keeping animals indoors or in shaded areas, making sure they always have access to fresh water and limiting walks and exercise when temperatures climb.

Hot pavement can also burn a pet’s paws. Pet owners can check the ground before heading out and choose cooler times of the day for walks.

Animals should never be left alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short period of time. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly and become dangerous.

Signs of overheating can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting or difficulty breathing. Pet owners who notice signs of heat-related illness should move their animal to a cooler area and seek veterinary care.

CARE4PAWS encourages families to plan around the heat and make sure pets have a cool, safe place as temperatures remain high.

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