Heat Safety Tips For Pets
Temperatures are rising in the Valley of the Sun and this summer promises to be another scorcher. Make sure you know the warning signs that your pet might be in distress by reviewing the heat safety tips for pets below, or view a printable PDF. By recognizing what our four-legged friends need during these hot summer months, we can keep them happy, safe, and healthy.
The Dangers of Tethering Your Dog
Chaining or tethering your dog outside is dangerous. The Valley’s scorching summer temps turn deadly quickly and tethered dogs can easily become tangled, trapped without water, food or shelter. Break the chain. Don’t tether.
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Watch this video from AHS’ expert veterinarians to learn more about heat safety for your pets when the temperatures rise.
Pavement Temperatures and Pets
The asphalt on Arizona’s Valley streets can reach up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. With temperatures regularly reaching 115° in Phoenix, it’s no wonder pavement burn is a real danger in the southwest between June, July, and August each year.
Once outside temperatures surpass 95°, the risk of pavement burn increases for bare skin contact, including our pets’ paws! However, by doing the “touch-test” (demonstrated below), being mindful of hot asphalt, sidewalks, desert sand (often found on hiking trails), and remaining indoors during the hottest hours of the day, you can help your pet avoid potential third-degree burns that require medical treatment and possible surgery.
Hot Cars and Pets
Every year, children and animals tragically die when they are left in hot cars. One death is too many, and the Good Samaritan aims to end hot-car deaths. Learn more about the Good Samaritan Law.
Your car can become a deadly oven in just minutes.
It takes just minutes for temperatures inside your car to rise to extremely dangerous levels. Even on a cool day, temperatures can become deadly.
If you see a child or pet in a hot car and believe they are in imminent danger of physical injury or death, here how you can help:
- Call 911.
- Determine if the vehicle is locked.
- If unlocked, open a door to enter the vehicle.
- If locked, you may break the window. Do not use more force than is necessary.
- Remain with the child or pet until the authorities arrive.
Hiking Trails and Pets
Phoenix Trails are CLOSED to all dogs when temperatures reach 100° and above because of the risk of heat stroke and pavement burn. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks Board have adopted this policy in an effort to protect your dog’s health and safety on high temperature days.
Under PCC 24-54 (Failure to Comply), violators could be subject to a Class One Misdemeanor that could include a fine of up to $2,500 and six months jail time.
Suspected Abuse, Cruelty, or Neglect and Pets
If you’ve encountered a homeless, sick, or mistreated animal, please report suspected cruelty or neglect.
We thank you for protecting pets during the extreme summertime heat in the Valley of the Sun.
Top Five Ways to Keep Your Dogs Safe Around Pools
The heat is on, and everyone is feeling it, including your pets. Right now, your backyard pool looks pretty inviting, especially when they see you in it. After a raucous romp or an afternoon sunbathing by your side, your pup may be tempted to jump in or take a refreshing drink. But not so fast. Before your dog plays around the pool, ensure you’ve covered your bases – like having a dog life-jacket available whenever your dog is around any water.
- Pools are for Swimming, NOT Drinking: Keep a bowl of fresh water outside near the pool and make sure your pet knows which place is meant for drinking. Although small amounts of chlorine may not hurt your pup (like what you may inadvertently swallow while swimming), anything in excess can be dangerous. The pool is definitely not a water bowl for pets to drink from.
- Make Sure Your Dogs Knows How To Swim: Believe it or not, the doggy paddle isn’t necessarily instinctive to every dog, and you don’t want to find out too late your pup doesn’t know what to do. Like with children, it’s best to get in the pool to supervise and guide their attempts as they learn to swim.
- Give Them a Way Out: When working with them in the water, show them how to get out safely and make it part of the swimming practice.
- Keep the Gate Closed or Pool Covered When Not in Use: Dogs love to play outside, and accidents happen. Just as a child could inadvertently fall in, so can a dog. If your dogs play outside alone, ensure the gate is closed, or the pool is covered.
- Always Supervise Your Pets Around Water: Just as you would watch children around water, your pets should also be supervised in case of an accident.
Read Stories and Tips
Learn more about keeping pets safe during the heat, and share these clips with your friends and family to help inform our community on the importance of summer safety.
2022
Protecting Pets During Excessive Heat Watch
Fox 10: Protecting Pets During Excessive Heat Watch
2021
Summer & Hiking Safety
Fox 10: Summer & Hiking Safety
Help Us Spread the Word
Please share these graphics on your own social media channels or Nextdoor to save more pets! Be sure to tag the Arizona Humane Society on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!
Attention Hikers social graphics
Text links: Low-Res JPG | High-Res JPG | PDF
Excessive Heat Warning social graphics
Text links: Low-Res JPG | High-Res JPG | PDF
Don’t Leave Pets in Hot Cars social graphics
Text links: Low-Res JPG | High-Res JPG | PDF
Don’t Fry Our Feet social graphics
Text Links: Low-Res JPG | High-Res JPG | PDF