Remember Pets During Hot Weather

People are not the only ones affected by the heat, so are pets.

Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Director Jeff Roberts said there are a few simple things people can do to make sure their pets stay safe in the heat.

“You need to have plenty of fresh, clean water and they need to have shade and that is obviously outside, so they can get out of that direct sun,” said Roberts. “There are a couple of things you can do if you want to go beyond the basics. That is kiddie pools with water. A lot of dogs love to get in there and cool off. Also, if you make some peanut butter popsicles up for your dog, it kind of cools them down just like regular popsicles do for kids.”

Roberts said that people who walk their dogs also need to remember the heat can affect their dog on the walk as well.

“If you are used to taking your dogs for a walk during the summer, they really should be shorter walks and if you are walking them on the street, that asphalt is really hot,” said Roberts. “Protect the animals, you do not want their paws to get burnt.”

He went on to say that heat safety is also important when traveling with your pet.

Roberts said an animal should never be left in a hot vehicle unattended.

“If it is 85 degrees outside and if an animal is left in a car, even with the windows down, it will be 102 degrees in the car, so people should never leave their dogs or cats or any animals in the car,” said Roberts.

According to Roberts, it is a citable offense to leave an animal unattended in a hot car.