ST. LOUIS — “Summer is in full swing, and over the next few days, temperatures will be dangerously hot with heat indexes soaring over 100 degrees. Pet parents around St. Louis might be planning summer parties, barbecues and other outdoor activities, but this can be an extremely dangerous time for our four-legged friends.
It Only Takes Minutes
It’s important to remember that even if the temperature outside is a comfortable 70 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach more than 100 degrees in just minutes, regardless of whether a window is cracked. Follow our lifesaving motto: “70 Degrees and Over, Don’t Take Rover!”
- Leaving a pet in a hot, unattended car is inhumane and can cause severe injury or death within minutes, and harming a pet in this way is illegal, punishable by fines and can mean imprisonment for a pet owner. If the Humane Society of Missouri staff see a pet left in a car, we will take action. Please understand we are acting in the best interest of the pet and attempting to avoid a tragedy.
Be Alert
- If your pet must be outside, ensure there is a shady spot and a bowl of fresh-clean water, guaranteeing they will be protected from the sun at all times of the day. Secure a plastic (never metal) bowl to the ground so the bowl does not tip over or get too hot.
- If your pet ever shows signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior, etc.), immediately apply cool water to their paws and stomach, then head to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Don’t Wait, Pick Up the Phone
Posting to social media that you’ve seen a pet alone in a car is not enough. If you see an animal in danger, don’t be afraid to report it. You could save an animal’s life just by picking up your phone. A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse needs immediate attention. To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, call your local police and, if you’re in St. Louis City or County, call the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Hotline at (314) 647-4400.
Leave Fido at Home
Beautiful sunny weather may tempt you into bringing your furry friend along for a run or bike ride, but heat stroke and possible death can occur quickly in these temperatures. Pets will do everything to keep up with their humans, putting their own health at risk. Consult your veterinarian to see what summer exercise is best for your pet.
For more information on how to care for pets during hot weather months, visit hsmo.org/hotweather.”