70 Degrees & Over, Don’t Take Rover

Summer is here and the temperature is rising! Pet owners should keep in mind the Humane Society of Missouri’s life-saving motto this summer: 70 Degrees & Over, Don’t Take Rover!

The Humane Society of Missouri has a few tips for pet owners and animal lovers to ensure pets are happy and healthy as the summer heats up.

• Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees. In a matter of minutes, the temperature inside a car can soar past 100 degrees, regardless of whether a window is cracked, or the car is parked in shade. Once the internal temperature of a car reaches 110 degrees, your pet could only have a few minutes to survive.
• Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car. Call your local police department immediately and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at (314) 647-4400 as soon as possible. A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse, needs immediate attention.
• Keep pets inside when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. There will be days when the temperature skyrockets and it becomes too hot for pets to remain outside. Bring them indoors and keep them in a safe and secure place such as the basement, especially if your home is not air conditioned. Rising temperatures inside the home can be just as deadly as the outdoor heat.
• Groom your pet regularly. A pet’s coat is designed by nature to keep them cool during the summer. Consider taking your pet to a groomer for a trim or regularly brush their fur to remove any excess hair. However, do not shave your pet without first consulting a veterinarian, as this may result in overexposure to the sun and cause sunburn or other serious side effects.
• Provide your pet with shady spots outdoors. Ensure your pet is protected from the heat and sun at all times during the day, no matter where you are. If you leave your pet outdoors for an extended period, check to make sure there are shaded areas beforehand and keep checking in as the sun changes positions. Asphalt and concrete heat up quickly. If you can’t keep your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws.