06/02/2026
🌞🐾 EXTREME HEAT = REAL DANGER FOR PETS 🐾🌞
As temperatures rise, please remember that our pets feel the heat too—and sometimes much more intensely than we do.
🚗 Never leave a pet in a parked vehicle. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can climb to deadly levels in just a few minutes.
🔥 Hot asphalt can burn paws. If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s feet. Sidewalks, roads, and parking lots can become hot enough to cause painful burns even when the air temperature doesn’t seem extreme.
💧 Provide plenty of fresh water and shade. Animals should always have a way to cool themselves and escape direct sunlight.
🐕 Limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day. Walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.
⚠️ Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Weakness or stumbling
• Vomiting
• Bright red gums
• Collapse
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal. If you suspect an animal is overheating, move them to a cool area immediately, offer cool water, and contact a veterinarian right away.
Our pets depend on us to keep them safe. A few simple precautions can prevent unnecessary suffering and save lives during these hot summer months.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and keep those paws off the hot pavement! ❤️🐾
Humane Society of Lincoln County
📞 931-433-3726
