County Urges Pet Owners to Protect Pets During Extreme Heat
With extreme heat expected across the region this week, County Animal Services is urging pet owners to take immediate steps to protect their animals.
Parts of San Diego County will be under a heat advisory or an extreme heat warning from 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, through 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, with dangerously hot temperatures expected in inland valleys, mountains and desert areas. The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the 90s in valley and mountain communities and temperatures up to 118 degrees in the desert.
Hot weather can quickly lead to heat-related illness, especially for vulnerable people and pets.
“Extreme heat puts pets at serious risk of heatstroke and dehydration,” said Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice. “Never leave pets in cars, always provide them with water and shade, and avoid walking them on hot surfaces. These simple steps can save their lives.”
Even on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can hit 102 degrees in just 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. It can soar past 120 degrees shortly after. That kind of heat can cause pets to suffer brain damage, heatstroke or even death. The best advice is to leave pets at home during hot summer days.
If you see a pet left in a vehicle and believe the animal is in danger, California law allows you to remove an animal from a vehicle if it appears to be in distress. Call County Animal Services’ 24/7 emergency line at 619-236-2341 for animal-related emergencies. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Pets can also overheat quickly on walks or hikes. A good rule of thumb: If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog. Hot pavement, asphalt or sand can burn their paws. If you take your dog out, do so only in the early morning hours, stick to grass and shaded paths, and always bring plenty of water for both you and your pet.
Know the signs of heat illness in pets:
- Excessive panting
- Heavy drooling
- Trouble breathing
- Lethargy or collapse
If your pet becomes overheated:
- Move them to a shaded or cool area.
- Apply cool—not cold—water to lower their body temperature.
- Place cold, wet towels on the head, neck and chest.
- Offer small amounts of cool water or ice cubes to lick.
- Take them to a vet as soon as possible.
Additional summer pet safety tips:
- Keep pets indoors when possible, especially during peak heat hours.
- Ensure they have access to shade all day, as the sun shifts.
- Use tip-proof containers for water, and make sure it stays cool—some pets won’t drink hot water.
- Consider a misting system or kiddie pool to help them cool off.
It’s also a good time to review your pet emergency plan. Create or update a pet evacuation kit with food, water, medications, a leash or carrier, and vaccination and microchip records. If your pet isn’t microchipped, now is a good time—it could help reunite you if you’re ever separated during an emergency.
By taking these precautions and being aware of the heat, San Diego County residents can help keep their pets safe during extreme summer temperatures.
For additional pet safety tips, visit the County Animal Services website.