Weather Tips for Your Pet
REMEMBER PETS DURING VERY HOT WEATHER
Hot weather tips from the Humane Society of Missouri to keep pets safe
With heat indices expected to be 100 degrees this summer, pet owners are advised to take special precautions to keep pets safe. High temperatures can be deadly for pets left without a cool, shady place to rest and plenty of water.
- Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car. The temperature in a car can exceed 100 degrees in minutes. It is inhumane, illegal and can cause severe injury or even death within minutes.
- Be certain outdoor pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Secure plastic water bowls, never metal, to the ground so your pet can't accidentally tip them over. You can dig a small round hole and place the water bowls inside.
- Ensure that your pet has access to shade at all times of the day. Your dog might be in the shade when you leave for work, but the sunlight moves throughout the day. Don't allow your pet to be stranded in the scorching sun.
- If you run or jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks for yourself and your dog. Remember that asphalt and concrete get hot quickly. You have rubber soles on your feet--your dog does not. On hot days, leave your dog at home.
- Do not bicycle or rollerblade with a pet. Heat stroke and possible death can occur very quickly, particularly in hot weather.
- When the weather is dangerously hot, keep pets inside.
- If your pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior), right away begin applying cold water to your pet's extremities. See your veterinarian immediately!
- During the summer, mosquitoes are prevalent. Make sure your pet is tested by a veterinarian for heartworm disease (a mosquito-transmitted, often fatal disease) and begin heartworm prevention medication.
To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400.
Cold Weather Care
Cold weather is officially here and it’s important to remember that pets have to endure the same bitter temperatures as their owners. Pets rely on people to help them stay warm when the weather is cold. Here are a few tips to keep Fluffy and Fido safe during the cold days of winter.
Bring your pet inside: Don't leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes the air colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your pet's body temperature and limit time outdoors, especially to prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet. If you run with your dog, be attentive to cold paws and leave Fido at home if it gets too cold. Always keep your Kitty inside. It's the law in the City of St. Louis. Furthermore, "outside" cats are often the victims of cars, dogs and inhumane people.
Provide adequate shelter: Adequate shelter is mandatory by law. If your dog lives outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated and draft-free doghouse. The opening should face south with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Keep straw (NOT hay) inside the doghouse. Avoid towels and blankets which can easily dampen and make the space colder.
Beware of antifreeze and rock salt: Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your pet -- it is lethal. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately! Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, can irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet's feet after being outside.
Dry off wet pets : Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean his paws to prevent tiny cuts and cracked pads.
Provide plenty of food and water: It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so your pet needs additional calories if he spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. Also, provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a substitute for water. And, remember that water can freeze if kept in a bowl outside.
Carefully keep pets warm inside: Keep your pets warm, dry and away from drafts while inside. Tiles and uncarpeted areas might become very cold, so place blankets and pads on floors in these areas. Be careful of supplemental heat sources. Make sure all fireplaces have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach.
Groom regularly: Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Short or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold so consider a sweater or a coat. Long-haired dogs should have their paw hair clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of their feet.
If your veterinarian’s office is closed, make a note of these St. Louis area emergency pet emergency hospitals.
Emergencies
For after-hours emergencies, you might need to contact one of the privately owned pet emergency hospitals which are not affiliated with the Humane Society of Missouri.
You must phone ahead and there will be additional fees. The Humane Society of Missouri does not reimburse expenses incurred at these or other veterinary clinics.
Emergency pet hospitals:
- St. Louis North: (314) 739-1500
- St. Louis South: (314) 822-7600
- St. Charles area: (636) 240-5496
- Jefferson County (636) 464-2846
- Illinois: (618) 346-1843
Know of an animal in distress? Phone (314) 647-4400 or report anonymously online.
