Special to the Record
This week, Massachusetts will experience an intense heat wave with temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is warning pet owners about the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars. ARL’s campaign, “Too Hot for Spot®,” reminds pet owners that when temperatures begin to rise, so do concerns about animal safety. Even when the mercury dips below 80 degrees, the threat of heat stroke still exists. Pets don’t sweat the way humans do, making them unable to cool their bodies efficiently in the heat.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Pet’s Health:
Whenever possible, leave your pet at home in a cool, humidity and temperature-regulated room.
If your pet must be outdoors, find a shady spot with ample air flow to prevent overheating.
Hydration is key, so keep a bowl of cold water accessible at all times.
Limit exercise to the morning or evening hours when temperatures are at their coolest.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car—even with the air conditioner on or the windows cracked. Learn the dangerous consequences of leaving your pet in a hot car.
Similarly, warm weather brings people and animals to bodies of water. Here are a few tips for keeping your pet safe around water.
Pets are family. This belief is at the heart of everything we do at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. ARL is the first female-founded animal welfare organization in Massachusetts and is proud to carry on a legacy of kindness and compassion, helping more than 20,000 animals annually since 1899. Recognized for innovative, award-winning programs that go beyond sheltering, ARL addresses the root causes of the issues facing animals and the people who love them. By partnering with communities, ARL helps animals heal and thrive, keeps pets and people together, and protects animals from harm. Because there is no government funding for this important work, animals must rely on people like you to get the care they need, when they need it most, 365 days a year. For more information, visit arlboston.org and follow ARL on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.