With temperatures starting to reach 90 and above, it’s important to make sure pets are staying cool and hydrated throughout the summer. 

St. Joseph Animal Shelter Humane Educator Jenna Keyes said whether pets are indoors or outside, it’s important to watch for side effects from the heat that could turn into heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  

“Some signs to look for are just excessive panting, the animal is very lethargic, they just aren’t quite acting right, they’re really down, their bodies may actually be warm to the touch,” Keyes said. “If you see an animal and you feel like it might be ill… may have heatstroke, always, we recommend, call your veterinarian, let them know the symptoms and they would be able to direct you as to what a good course of action for treatment would be with that animal.” 

Keyes said good habits to get into with your pet during the summer include taking your pet for a walk in the morning or evening when the temperature is not as hot and having fresh water available for pets spending a lot of time outdoors. 

Keyes said Animal Control and Rescue often gets calls during the summer months about pets being left in a car. 

“It’s very tempting, sometimes you’re running errands, you have that pet with you, maybe you just stop by the store with them,” Keyes said. “But cars heat very quickly, to the point that it is very dangerous for animals to be left inside of a car, even with the windows cracked.” 

Keyes said if the temperature outdoors is 70 degrees, within about 10 minutes, the inside temperature of a vehicle can reach up to 89 degrees and within 30 minutes, up to 104 degrees.