Santa Barbara Humane discusses pet safety during extreme heat

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - As temperatures rise, animal specialists at Santa Barbara Humane are urging pet owners to protect their pets from the heat. 

Keeping cool in hot weather can be challenging for humans. But also for pets.

Shelter services directors at Santa Barbara Humane said don't walk your dog in the heat of midday.

Dogs can struggle to keep cool in high temperatures and are vulnerable to overheating.

Stick to early morning or late evening walks.

When your pet is outside, you want to make sure they have fresh, cold water.

During heat waves, add ice to water when possible.

Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don't obstruct air flow.

"If you’re going to do a walk, definitely short a walk make sure you have plenty of water for your dog and they have access to a pool shady spot. If you have a cat and their outdoor cats, make sure that they have access to freshwater and a shady spot as well," said director of shelter services Sandy Simmons of Santa Barbara Humane.

The Santa Barbara Humane team said an easy rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for you, then it’s definitely too hot for your pets. 

Simmons reminds everyone to never leave a dog, or any animal, in a car, trailer or shed on a hot or even warm day. 

Being locked in a car for just a few minutes can be fatal to a pet.