Keep pets safe in hot weather, follow these helpful tips

#BonnieHays

The heat can pose serious risks to your pet. Age, weight, coat type, health conditions and breed can all impact the ability for a pet to tolerate heat. Breeds with short noses or flat faces may especially be at risk. Talk with your veterinarian regarding risk factors specific to your animal companion.

Keep your pet comfortable outdoors and on walks. Take your dog out during the cooler parts of the day, keep walks short, and avoid asphalt if possible. If you must walk your dog on cement or asphalt, test the surface with your hand first to avoid burned paws. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. If you have a pet that spends time outdoors, they should always have fresh, clean drinking water and access to shelter that protects them from the hot sun.

Never leave your pet in a car. Car interiors can reach deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes even with the windows cracked. If you see an animal in a hot car and can’t immediately find the owner, call for help and stay with the animal until help arrives. In Washington County, you can call us at 503-846-7041 or non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and an officer will be dispatched. If the animal is in obvious distress, call 911.

Learn the symptoms of overheating. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, and weakness can be some of the first signs of trouble. Overheating can also cause other symptoms such as seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately if you think your pet may be overheating.

For more information on these topics and more, please visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Ave in Hillsboro. If you have a question for the animal shelter, email Stacy_Beckley@washingtoncountyor.gov