How to care for pets during extreme heat

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With ongoing heat waves, it is important to keep your pets safe outside.

The Chattanooga Humane Educational Society provides tips on how to care for animals during the summer. 

“Our furry friends, I mean they have fur. I don’t think people really realize that these dogs… I mean it’s almost like wearing a fur coat. It really is. I mean I would encourage people to see how it feels to wear a fur coat outside,” HES volunteer Christopher Highwood said.

Ways to keep pets cool include lots of hydration. 

Having plenty of water to drink along with pools for them to sit in can help.

Things to keep in mind while being outside are the heat and humidity levels. 

“Let’s say it’s like 75, 85 outside. That means that it’s probably for them like 125 maybe,” Highwood said.

This affects the animal’s body heat regulation.

“That goes to say– keep their paws protected too. The concrete and the pavement, all that gets super hot,” Highwood said.

You can protect your pets from the heat in many ways. 

Cooling bandanas and paw booties are suggested for extreme temperatures. 

“Their necks get pretty hot. A lot of people don’t know this, but dogs they actually don’t sweat from their body, they actually sweat from their paws,” Highwood said.

Try to stay in the shade as much as possible during these hot seasons.

Misting your dog with water can also help during walks. 

“If you love your animals, you gotta take care of them. And the heat… take that into big consideration. Because I mean, they’re your furry friends,” Highwood said.

Keep these safety tips in mind when caring for your animals this summer.