An ongoing heat wave is making life a virtual hell for people in southwestern Alberta. Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts highs from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius in the coming week, so it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure the well-being of our dogs.

With extreme heat warnings expected for the foreseeable future, Pincher Creek Humane Society has collaborated with Shootin’ the Breeze to provide helpful tips for keeping dogs cool and comfy during this scorching weather.   

Cars are not dog-sitters

The PCHS has made multiple posts regarding this tip on its social media pages and it is one that cannot be stressed enough.

“All you have to do is go sit by yourself in the car for five minutes and you’ll see how you feel within that five minutes of sitting there without AC,” says Felicia White, a longtime volunteer and staff member with the shelter.

“The heat hits fast and it hits suddenly, and it’s even worse for dogs.”

While some dog owners might be under the impression that they can leave their dog for a few minutes to run a quick errand, Felicia says this is still unsafe for the dog.

According to stats shared by the Alberta SPCA, assuming the outside temperature is 29 degrees, the inside of a car heats up well past that in short order. After 10 minutes, the inside of the car will reach 40 degrees, 46 after 20 minutes and 48 after 30 minutes.   

Given that dogs cool themselves through panting, this cooling method becomes ineffective when a dog is sitting in a confined space pushing 50 degrees.

When pressed about folks who think it’s OK to leave a pet for a few minutes with the air conditioning running, Felicia quickly dispelled that notion with a personal illustration.

“For myself, I know that I can find myself going to Walmart to just quickly pick up milk, then before I know it, I’m leaving an hour later with no milk. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” she says.

Rather than taking dogs along in the car while running errands, Felicia and the PCHS urge residents to keep their dogs at home, where they are much safer.

Furthermore, if you see a dog locked in a hot vehicle that is in distress, it is recommended that you report it to the RCMP’s non-emergency helpline at 403-627-6000.    

Go for walks in the early morning or evening, or avoid asphalt and concrete

Something the shelter has emphasized recently is taking the shelter dogs out for walks in the early mornings and evenings. Doing so means the dogs avoid the intensity of the sun during peak daytime hours.

To accommodate this, the shelter has switched its hours to remain open later on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. This is mainly so dog walkers can come in and the staff can get in and tend to the animals a bit more than they might otherwise be able to. 

“We can’t let the dogs out when it’s 35 and above, because if there’s a heat warning for us, there is a heat warning for the animals too,” says Felicia. 

For some, time constraints and busy schedules could mean that walking early or late in the day isn’t an option. If unable to hold off for cooler temperatures, dog owners are advised to walk their pets along fields and grass plains.

“Humans have the ability to throw on shoes and head out the door for walks; our furry friends don’t have that option,” says Felicia. 

“If you are unsure if it’s safe for your dog to walk on asphalt or concrete, take your shoes off and go stand on the pavement for five minutes. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.”

Keep dogs cool outside, never unattended

If you are going to have your dog outdoors during a period of extreme heat, consider how you will ensure your dog stays cool. 

The risk for heatstroke increases exponentially during conditions like those hitting Pincher Creek. Dog owners who can’t avoid the peak heat are advised to stay on grass and fields, as previously mentioned, and to find their pets lots of shade to help keep body temperature regulated.

This could come in the form of walking your dog along a forest trail or simply finding a shady spot to park yourself under.

Another recommendation courtesy of the PCHS is to provide your dog with a kiddie pool or other water source to stay cool. 

“Kiddie pools are obviously great for your kids, but they work so well for dogs too,” says Felicia.

She has been taking her golden retriever, Jax, to the creek to cool off. However, she admits that unless you’re OK with your dog smelling like a creek or you’re OK with taking it to the PCHS dog wash station, a kiddie pool is your best bet.      

Provide fresh water

Lastly, and most importantly, keep your pets hydrated.

As many of us already know, it is very easy to become dehydrated when facing such extreme heat. The same applies to our dogs. They can quickly become dehydrated, and it is up to owners to regularly provide fresh water.

At the shelter, for example, staff monitor the water bowls and regularly ensure that dogs have plenty of clean, fresh water to help them stay hydrated. This also naturally helps the dogs stay cool.

“It seems obvious, but it’s important to make sure that the dogs have enough water,” says Felicia. 

For more tips on keeping your dog cool, hydrated and healthy during extreme heat conditions, visit Alberta SPCA’s Pets and Hot Weather web page at bit.ly/3S8pLyV.   

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