Don't leave your pets in your vehicle ñ even for a short time in this heat, the Wild Rose Humane Society (WRHS) says.
By late this week, temperatures in Olds are expected to be in the high 20s.
"Definitely you should never keep your pets in a parked vehicle. You should keep your pets at home in a cool, safe place, especially when the temperature in a car on a hot day can get up to 50 degrees Celcius within 10 minutes," WRHS president Dean Orlando says.
"It could lead to heatstroke and even death. Opening the windows, leaving water is not enough."
If you expose your pet to heat and sunstroke in that way, you can end up facing charges under the Animal Protection Act and possibly some bylaws, he warns.
"I guess the big thing, I mean, if you see an animal in distress in a car, the most important thing ñ call the RCMP. They'll try and get the animal out," Orlando says.
Orlando says ideally, when the weather is hot, pet owners should not take their animals with them when they go shopping or undertake other activities. Pets should be left at home where it's cool and there's plenty of food and water for them.
"Things can happen. We all know how hot it can be in a car and we're not wearing a fur coat," Orlando says. "They can come out and go for a walk with you later."
If you must take your pet shopping or on other errands, bring someone to stay in the car with them to ensure the air conditioning is keeping the vehicle cool. He suggests that person should take the animal out of the vehicle if it gets too warm.
Some stores don't allow pets "and that's their right," Orlando says.
If you go into a store that does allow pets, Orlando recommends ensuring they're on a leash. Make sure you have a fresh supply of clean water available for your animals and keep them in a cool, shady place or indoor location.
The WRAS has some other tips on how to enable pets to deal with hot weather:
Don't let dogs stand on hot asphalt as it can easily burn the pads on their paws.
DO NOT over-exercise your dogs or horses in the heat.
Flat-faced pets -- for example, pugs and Persian cats -- cannot pant very well. Pay extra attention to keeping them cool.
Ensure your home windows have secure screens. Pets can fall out of unscreened or insecure windows.
Animals can get sunburn too. Shaved dogs and cats can be even more susceptible to sunburn.
If you use sunscreen or insect repellant, make sure it is approved and labelled for use on your pet (e.g. for dogs, for horses).
If you're hauling horses, make sure the trailer is properly ventilated and you have sufficient water on hand. Remember, trailer temperatures are much warmer than the outside temperature. For more information, check with the Horse Industry Association of Alberta.
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke or dehydration, please contact your vet. Symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke include:
ï increased heart and respiratory rate
ï excessive drooling
ï weakness
ï seizures
ï bloody diarrhea
ï vomiting
ï difficulty breathing
ï elevated body temperature
"It could lead to heatstroke and even death. Opening the windows, leaving water is not enough."DEAN ORLANDOPRESIDENT WILD ROSE HUMANE SOCIETY
