Humane Society shares tips for keeping pets safe in summer heat

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Humane Society for Greater Savannah is urging pet owners to take precautions as summer temperatures continue to rise across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.

Nina Schulze, adoptions manager for the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, said the heat poses a direct risk to dogs’ paws on paved surfaces.

“This is Georgia heat,” Schulze said. “It is hot enough for you to scramble an egg on the pavement, and their paws are thin. Even though it protects them, it’s scorching when you hit that pavement.”

Walk times and outdoor precautions

Schulze recommended limiting walks to no longer than 10 to 15 minutes during the day and scheduling them during cooler parts of the day, between 5 and 6 a.m. and 9 and 10 p.m.

“You always want to kind of keep their walks to a minimum, especially dogs,” Schulze said. “Doing it early morning is probably the best, and then later in the evening because it is a lot cooler, the pavement isn’t as hot.”

She also said pet owners should monitor their animals closely if they are outside during the day, noting that if a person feels hot, their pet likely does too.

What to do if a pet overheats

Schulze says if you notice your pet excessively panting, drooling, or they are not wanting to move, then call your nearest vet.

“For animals that do overheat and have heat exhaustion, the last thing to do is put them in water,” Schulze said. “You want to probably use ice packs, rubbing alcohol on their pads, things like that — but never, never submerge them in water when they are heat exhausted.”

Keeping pets cool at home

Brandon Jackson, a new pet owner who also works at a doggy day care center, said he plans to use a small pool and plenty of water to keep his puppy cool.

“Get her a little doggy pool so she can stay a little cool outside,” Jackson said. “Ice cubes, a lot of water.”

Cars pose added danger

Schulze also warned against leaving pets in parked vehicles during summer months.

“Your car is 10 times hotter than what it is outside,” Schulze said. “Make sure, even if you have the windows down, it is never a good idea to keep your pets in the car on these hot summer days.”

The Humane Society for Greater Savannah said pet owners who need resources for help keeping their animals cool this summer can contact the organization directly at 912-354-9515