Broward County Animal Care {Photo Credit / AJ Shorter Photography}
As South Florida endures extreme summer temperatures, Broward County Animal Care is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their animals from potentially life-threatening heat-related illnesses.
Animal Care officials said even brief exposure to high temperatures can put pets at serious risk and stressed that a few simple safety measures can help keep dogs and cats safe throughout the summer.
“South Florida’s summer heat can become deadly for pets in just minutes,” Broward County Animal Care Director Doug Brightwell said. “Our message is simple: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Make sure they always have access to fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle. These small actions can make the difference between life and death.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can reach 109 degrees after just 20 minutes on an 80-degree day. Officials said leaving a pet in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked, can quickly become fatal.
Under Florida law, leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle without air conditioning and proper ventilation is illegal and may result in criminal penalties.
Animal Care also recommends that owners provide pets with plenty of fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration and limit outdoor exercise to the early morning or evening hours, particularly when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. Pets should always have access to shade and a cool place to rest.
Officials also warned that asphalt and sidewalks can become hot enough to burn pets’ paw pads. Whenever possible, owners should walk their pets on grass instead of pavement.
For more information about adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating, visit Broward County Animal Care’s website.
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