The BC SPCA would like all pet owners to be vigilant when dealing with the province’s latest heatwave.
Prince George is expected to crack the 30-degree mark today and Friday while cities like Kamloops, Cache Creek, and the Okanagan are predicted to be in the 35 to 38-degree range for the next week.
North Cariboo SPCA Branch Manager Jamie Walsh says you have several options available to keep your animal safe.
“We always recommend that people keep their animals at home or in a safe place – if you have to travel with them may be put them at a vet or kennel or just leaving them at home with a friend is the best way. We always urge people not to leave them in their vehicles.”
If you do plan on taking your pet on a road trip, a select number of items should always be on hand.
“We ask that you have the air conditioning on and a fresh bowl of water if possible in the back seat of the of the area for the animal. We always want to make sure they stay cool – cold water bottles that are frozen from the freezer is something we use those quite a bit in our kennels at the shelter and that helps cool them down,” says Walsh.
Leaving your pet in a hot car will not only have negative consequences for the animal but also for the owner.
“If the SPCA is attending the call along with the RCMP and if an animal has to be removed from the front of the vehicle because they’re passing away and getting critically ill that vehicle window could be broken into and you’re responsible for that cost as well us bringing the animal to the veterinarian. You are also responsible for the care of that animal and the recovering the costs that we incur during the treatment of that animal,” says Walsh.
Other common symptoms include organ failure, breathing respiratory issues and heatstroke.
Walsh adds pet owners should limit outdoor exposure to about 10 to 15 minutes a day due to the hot pavement they could come in contact with.