Sask. SPCA warns pet owners about extreme heat dangers

As Saskatchewan swelters through another stretch of extreme heat, it’s not just people searching for relief.

Jemma Omidian, outreach coordinator with Saskatchewan SPCA, said pets are feeling the heat too — and unlike us, they can’t always escape it.

“The biggest thing is heat stroke. When the temperatures are as high as they are going to be, it is super common that dogs will get heat stroke,” Omidian explained.

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“It’s really important that we recognize the signs and symptoms, as well as dehydration for those animals.”

Omidian, who is a dog owner herself, said a quick errand, a midday walk or even a poorly ventilated doghouse can become dangerous in a matter of minutes.

Heat stroke is one of the most serious risks animals face during extreme weather, and while every pet is vulnerable, some are at greater risk than others.

“The animals that are most in danger are senior animals and the young animals, as well as dogs or cats that have a brachycephalic (short-snout) face,” Omidian said.

She said one of the biggest mistakes pet owners continue to make is believing a parked vehicle is safe if they keep their windows open.

“A lot of people think, ‘Oh, if I park in the shade, if I crack the windows and I’m just running in for one minute, it’ll be okay,’” Omidian said. “But it really doesn’t matter if you’re parked in the shade or if the windows are cracked. Your car turns into an oven, and the temperature rises super, super quickly.”

Omidian said the safest choice is also the simplest: leave pets at home whenever possible.

“I know that we always want to take our pets everywhere with us, but they will be happier and safer at home than they would be in a vehicle,” she said.

Omidian said temperatures inside a parked vehicle can quickly become much hotter than outside, making it dangerous for pets to be kept in them, even for only a few minutes.

She also encouraged owners to keep their pets cool in other ways.

“We do recommend that you keep your pets indoors as much as possible. If it’s really too hot for you to spend all day outside, it’s likely too hot for your dog as well,” she said.

“Fans are great as well, and make sure that they have cool water available. If you cannot have them inside, again, just make sure they have an area outside that is open, airy, and covered with shade.”

If pets do spend time outdoors, Omidian said walks should be scheduled during the coolest parts of the day – early in the morning or later in the evening – and owners should pay close attention to signs of heat-related illness.

“The main thing is heavy panting, excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, stumbling. If you can look in their mouths and they have like really bright red gums, that’s not a good sign,” she explained.

“And then, of course, if they just suddenly collapse or have a seizure, that is a sign that you definitely need to get your dog to the vet or your cat.”

Omidian advised moving your pet to a cool area if they are struggling and offering small amounts of cool water. She also said everyone has a role to play in protecting animals during periods of extreme heat.

“If you see a dog in the car, contact somebody. Contact the police. Contact the animal enforcement agency,” she said.

As temperatures climb, Omidian said the best advice for pet owners comes down to one simple decision: “Leave your pets at home. Do not bring them and do not leave them in cars,” she said.