30/06/2026
Excessive heat warnings are being issued across Ohio for this week. Excessive heat is just as dangerous as extreme cold and extra precautions are necessary to keep yourselves and your pets safe.
Caretakers are legally obligated to provide appropriate shelter and water for their animals, especially in this hot weather. Failure to provide appropriate care for an animal can result in significant criminal charges. If you see an animal in danger, call your county humane society, local animal control, local police, or county sheriff.
🐾 The air temperature is NOT an accurate reflection of ground temperature. Human-made surfaces, including metal, pavement, and concrete, can burn your dog’s paws. Try to avoid walking in the middle of the day when it’s hottest. Head for grass, which stays cooler.
🐾 Animals get dehydrated quickly in hot weather. Animals need constant access to plenty of cool, clean water at all times in these situations. Adding some ice cubes to water bowls helps.
🐾 Give animals access to shade and don't leave pets outdoors for an extended period of time (heatstroke can occur in under 15 minutes!). An outdoor shelter or garage, if not in the shade and adequately ventilated, can act as a "hot box" and actually cause the temperature inside to be higher than the ambient air temperature.
🐾 Restrict exercise when temperatures soar.
🐾 Many dogs enjoy a swim, splashing in a wading pool, or a run through a sprinkler in warmer weather. This can help bring body temperatures down.
🐾 Brachycephalic (short-nose) dogs suffer what’s known as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). BAS causes a dog's breathing to be inefficient, meaning they struggle to pant and are therefore unable to cool themselves down properly. This places these dogs at a higher risk of developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
🐾 Never leave your pet in a parked car. The temperature inside of a car can reach oven-like temperatures in just minutes. That quick errand could be fatal for your pet.
🐾 Contact a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY if you believe your animal is suffering from heat-related illness. Quick treatment is necessary to ensure your animal's survival and is your legal obligation.
🐾 Don't forget about livestock and outdoor pocket pets--they too can suffer from extreme heat and require adequate shelter!
