L. Gomes/Pattison Media

By Laurice Gomes

Pet Care

Chilliwack SPCA provides tips to keep Fido out of the hot seat

Jun 27, 2022 | 5:42 PM

CHILLIWACK — With temperatures heating up, the Chilliwack SPCA is reminding dog owners to be aware of how much heat their pups can actually handle.

According to Chloe MacBeth, branch manager of the Chilliwack SPCA, there is a lot to think about when it comes to hot weather and dogs, especially during an outing.

“Dogs in particular, so if we are taking them out with the family, when we’re going out somewhere, we must be cognizant of the temperature on the asphalt, on the cement,” MacBeth said. “It can be significantly higher than the ambient temperature.”

The animal advocate pointed out that brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, or boxers are at higher risk because of their structurally flattened faces.

“Those guys have a really hard time regulating their temperature,” she said. “So, we want to make sure that they are given special attention, making sure that they don’t overheat.”

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MacBeth explained that darker coats and thick coats also tend to absorb the warmth.

“A lot of people think that shaving thicker-coated breeds is beneficial for them,” she said. “However, they’ve shown that it can actually change the coat texture.”

A dog owner herself, MacBeth provided tips to ensure that Fido is kept cool this summer. For starters, ensure that there is constant access to cool water.

“Leave a bowl outside, making sure that it’s not a metal bowl, because that can heat up really quickly,” she said. “You can add ice to their water bowls, and you can have a lot of fun creating enriching toys like pupsicles. So, you put canned dog food or frozen berries in an ice cube tray.”

MacBeth says the BC SPCA gets calls for dogs in hot cars every year, and it is an important reminder for people that even 10 minutes can really make a difference.

“If you’re seeing a dog that’s in a car, that’s on the floor of the car, or panting really heavily, or salivating heavily, and is acting listless or unresponsive, that’s a medical emergency, and they need veterinary attention as quickly as possible,” she said.

In those instances, MacBeth said the best course of action is to reach out to the RCMP and the SPCA hotline.

“We get calls all the time, unfortunately,” she said. “Given the level of media attention it’s received in the past, it’s unfortunate that people still don’t get the message that it’s too warm to bring your pets with you.”

If an animal is showing clear signs of heatstroke or other distress symptoms, call the RCMP or the BC SPCA call centre at 1-855-622-7722.