Help pets beat the heat by keeping them inside, not in a car or on the hot asphalt, experts say

It's the dog days of summer.

So, the experts said Tuesday, remember hazardous weather conditions that threaten your well-being are also hazardous to your cats, dogs and other pets.

"You need to look at your animal as being dependent on you," said Gary Rogers, president of the Nassau County SPCA board. "You wouldn't leave your child outside unattended or in a hot car on a hot day, treat your pets the same. Just like you on a really hot day, your pet wants to be inside."

In fact, both Rogers and Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said, the law in Nassau and Suffolk is that if a heat alert is in effect it's against the law to keep your pet outside tethered — or in a pen.

Gross says that applies to days when it's over 90 degrees — as it does in winter on days when it's 32 degrees or below.

Gross said pet owners should also be aware of surface conditions.

"I see people go out and walk the dog and you see the dog trying to get off the asphalt because it's so hot," Gross said. "I'll tell the person, 'You wear shoes to protect your feet. What about your dog?' They don't realize a dog's feet are unprotected … Most people just don't know."

According to the local experts, basic do's and don'ts for hot weather include: never leave your animal alone in a vehicle, even with the window open; limit exercise for your pet in hot and humid weather; don't let your dog stand on hot asphalt, which cannot only burn the animal's pads but also can drastically raise body temperature; never trim your pet's coat to the skin, which can rob them of protection; make sure your pet has plenty of shade; bring your cat or dog into the house on hot days; and always make sure your pet has an identifying collar or tag.

The experts also warn that hydration is of utmost importance, so make sure there's always cool, clean water for your pet to drink.

"A dog can go into heat exhaustion very quickly," Rogers said. "They can start to have organ failure, can suffer organ damage. You should have water available at all times."

"Treat your pet like you'd want to be treated," Gross said. And, as he said, remember that when it comes to hot weather, leaving your pet unattended and vulnerable is against the law.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”