Tips for keeping your pets safe in the heat

CTV News

03-06-2025

The Ottawa Humane Society tells us how you can keep your friends cool.
With summer approaching and high temperatures in the forecast, the Ottawa Humane Society is reminding pet owners about the importance of keeping pets safe from the heat.
Sunny weather and highs approaching 30 degrees are in the forecast for Ottawa this week and that can lead to the possibility of heat-related illness and danger for our furry friends.
'Dogs die in hot cars,' said Ottawa Humane Society President & CEO Sharon Miko in a news release. 'Temperatures in vehicles rise extremely quickly — even with windows open. Pets can overheat, leading to brain damage and even death.'
Ottawa Humane Society spokesperson Stephen Smith tells CTV Morning Live keeping pets out of cars is the most important thing to remember this time of year.
'When that temperature rises, one of the things we say, of course, is never leave your pet unattended in a hot car. That's just rule number one,' he said. 'Don't just leave the window open a crack. It's never just a couple of minutes. It only takes a very short time for your pet to be in serious danger in a hot car.'
Smith says if you're going to be out and about, make sure you can bring your pet in the store with you. If you're going somewhere that doesn't allow pets, then the best place to leave them is safely at home.
'It doesn't even take that 30-plus degree weather. It can be even a mild day, and a car can still get too hot sitting in the sun,' he said.
Walks
Dogs still need regular exercise and outdoors time, even in the summer, but there are ways to keep them safe when it's hot, says Smith.
'The pavement might be a little bit hot for their paws, so what you can do is walk on the cooler grass to help keep them safe, or else take shorter walks in the morning and in the evening when the temperature cools down a bit,' he said.
It's important to have water on hand to make sure pets can cool off.
Tips for cats
Cats can also suffer in the heat.
The Ottawa Humane Society recommends keeping cats indoors.
'Number one for the Humane Society, we always say, keep your cats indoors, it's one of the safest places for them,' said Smith. 'If you do let your cat outside or if you like to walk them on a leash, you can apply some of the tips for the dogs. Make sure fresh water is available, make sure you can bring them in out of the heat, and if you're taking them for a walk, stick to the cool grass stick to the cooler temperatures of day.'
Signs of heat exhaustion in pets
Smith says to watch for signs your pet isn't feeling well.
'It's really about knowing your particular pets. Some will react great to the heat, they'll love a summer day, others will say I've had too much of this outdoors, please bring me inside,' he said.
Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can include:
Rapid heartbeat
Heavy panting
Lethargy
Lack of coordination
Weakness or muscle tremors
Glazed eyes
Convulsions
Unconsciousness
'Of course, you want to make sure you have lots of fresh water on hand to help cool them down. Make sure you can bring them in out of the heat and, if they continue to show those signs, be ready to contact your veterinarian for help,' said Smith.
Pets in trouble
If you see a loose pet that appears to be in trouble, Smith says there are ways to help.
'Any dog who's on the loose needs help right away. If you're able to secure the dog, you can bring them safely to the Humane Society where we'll help reunite them with their owner,' he said. 'If you're not able to secure the dog, you can call 3-1-1 for some assistance.'
The Ottawa Humane Society says if you see an animal alone in a vehicle with the owner nowhere in sight, dial 911.