Saturday July 30, 2022 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. | Island Social Trends
Remember to take additional care with your pets when the weather gets hot.
The heat wave that started July 25 is expected to continue through tomorrow of this BC Day long weekend. At 1 pm today it was 27°C in Langford.
Day time temperatures have been reaching the high 20s (and even over 30°C).
It’s important to note that nighttime temperatures are not low enough to provide much relief for people or pets!
Open windows at night, but keep them closed during the day, to keep heat out.
Things are expected to get a bit cooler starting Monday August 1, according to the Environment Canada forecast.
Tips to keep dogs cool:
- Have a bowl with cool water at all times.
- Keep dogs in a shaded area & out of the sun, or in an air-conditioned indoor space.
- Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even with the windows open it’s just way too hot.
- Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paws, stick to the grass.
- Kiddie pools are great for dogs to cool off.
- Try using a cooling body wrap, vest or mat. Soak these products in cool water; they will stay cool (but usually dry) for up to three days.
- Exercise with your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler reducing the chances of your pet getting heatstroke.
- Freeze favourite food or treats, that can be dog-licked to cool off.
- When hiking, camping, or going to the beach, make sure you bring along a water bowl and water for your pet as well as an umbrella for shade. Use towel to both dry off your pet and to give them an option of a place to lie down that’s not scorching hot.
More tips about Summer Pet Safety by the BC SPCA are available online.
