Keep pets safe during excessive heat

An excessive heat watch has been issued for the Central Coast. Temperatures inland may hit triple digits. Hitchcock Road Animal Serviceswants to remind pet owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of pets and livestock.

Both agencies, along with the American Veterinary Medical Association, recommend the following precautions:

• Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside.
• Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about.
• Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly temperatures, even when the weather isn't severe.
• Take walks, hikes or runs during the cooler hours of the day.
• Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet's paws.
• Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or sunscreen.
• Keep your pet free of parasites that are more common during warm weather, such as fleas, ticks and heartworm.
• And remember, if it is hot outside for you, it's even hotter for your pet!
• Heat stress may include signs of anxiousness, excessive panting, restlessness, excessive drooling, unsteadiness, abnormal gum and tongue color or collapse. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stress, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

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