Pet safety at top of mind for BC SPCA as temperatures soar
The BC SPCA is offering tips to pet owners on how to keep their four-legged friends safe as the temperature rises.
The animal advocacy organization says the most important tip of all is never to leave animals in cars.
"Our call centre gets calls all summer long about dogs in hot cars," said BC SPCA Victoria branch manager Emma Hamill.
"Even for a short amount of time, a dog in a locked car, even with the windows down a little bit, it too hot and they can go into heat stroke and cardiac arrest really quickly."
Hamill says if you are outside with you dog, be sure to watch for signs of distress like lethargy and heavy panting. She says if your dog is showing signs it is too hot, you should immediately get your pet inside because it's time to cool them down.
"In extreme cases you’ll see them start to vomit and we want to prevent it from getting to that point," she said.
Hamill says there are ways you can make cooling your pet fun. She says one way is to freeze some of your pet’s favourite treats in ice-cube trays as a cool snack for them to enjoy.
"Make it fun, whether you have a kiddie pool in your backyard or just a fan, there’s a lot of fun ways to keep them cool," said Hamill. "The main thing is that you are really safe and your pets are too."
WALKS
The organization says another way to minimize your pets discomfort during the heat of summer is to adjust when you go for a walk.
Walking your dog in the early morning or late evening when the pavement isn’t as hot helps avoid the impact of the heat.
"Before you take your dog out, take your bare foot, put it on the pavement for five seconds and if it's too hot for you, it is too hot for them," said Hamill.
"Their paws are really sensitive and that’s how they cool themselves down because that’s where they sweat from so make sure it isn’t too hot for them," she said.
Hamill says the best way to keep your pets cool and safe is to keep them indoors during the mid-day, when temperatures are at their hottest.
"Make sure they are kept in cool areas inside," said Hamill. "Have you blinds closed, have your air-conditioning on if you have it, and make sure your pets are safe because they can overheat so quickly."
More information on pet care during the summer can be found on the BC SPCA website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.