ARL Main is a Pet-Friendly Cooling Station: Anyone who needs relief from the heat with their pets can come to ARL Main (5452 NE 22nd St., Des Moines) during normal adoption hours (weekdays 12-7 p.m., weekends 10 a.m.-6 p.m.).
Every summer, hundreds of dogs and cats die needlessly due to their owners’ lack of preparedness and precautions regarding heat, and with most of Iowa experiencing extreme temperatures this week, it’s vital for pet owners to understand how heat affects their animals.
If it's above 70° F, leave your pet at home!
Temperatures inside cars can reach fatal levels within minutes. Even with the windows cracked, the interior of a car can quickly reach 99° F or hotter when it’s only 80° F outside.
If you see a pet (or child) alone in a car, call it in. You could save a life. Within Des Moines, call Des Moines Police Dispatch (515) 283-4811. Outside of Des Moines, call your local law enforcement number.
Limit time spent outdoors
On days when it’s very hot out, limit your pets’ outside time to potty breaks only. The ARL strongly recommends that outdoor pets be brought indoors to a cool area when possible.
Dogs must always have access to properly insulated shelter, food, and water, but in extreme temps, additional accommodations may be necessary to prevent a pet from being in distress.
Avoid hot cement or asphalt
Make sure to walk your dog during the coolest parts of the day (early morning and late evening) — and don’t overdo it. It’s much easier to overheat in high temperatures.
Also, be sure to feel the cement with the back of your hand before walking your dog on it. If you can’t keep your hand pressed to the cement for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s feet and can cause burns and blistering.
Take steps to prevent sunburn
The tips of ears, bridge of nose, around the eyes and abdomen are all sensitive areas on a dogs skin. Prevent sunburn on these ares by keeping dogs out of direct sunlight and/or consider using sunscreen for dogs.
Be aware some pets are more sensitive to heat
Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs and cats are especially susceptible to heat-related problems. Domestic rabbits can also struggle to maintain their body temperatures, especially when left outdoors in enclosed cages.
Additionally, always consult with your groomer before clipping or shaving your dog’s coat. Even though your pet may look hot, their coat actually protects them from getting sunburned. Brushing your pet regularly can help get rid of any loose hairs and allow for better air circulation.
Ensure access to fresh, cool water
Water saves lives. If there are community cats or wildlife in your neighborhood, set out a bowl of fresh, cool water for them as well. Many bodies of water in Iowa are not safe for animals to drink. This is especially true during summer when blue-green algae is present.
Always supervise animals around water
Not all dogs are good swimmers. Take preventative measures to ensure their safety by supervising your pet at all times and consider using a life jacket for your dog.
Keep auto coolant out of reach
When cars are running air conditioning more often, coolant puddles are very likely to occur. Keeping your pets away from coolant is something that should be done year round, but the product is much more prevalent during hot temperatures.
Update microchip information and collar ID tags
Ensuring the information on your pet’s collar tag, and updating their permanent ID (microchip) with current owner information and an emergency backup contact can save a pet’s life should they become lost, injured, or are found in distress during extreme weather.
