Summer Safety for Pets

Dog days of summer? If long-term forecasts are true, we could have a summer that's hotter and drier than usual.

Last summer was one of the hottest in the planet's recorded history. And just a few years ago, a heat dome in the Pacific Northwest had a devastating impact on pets and people. But summer safety is about more than just heat - learn more in our safety tips below. 

Pets in Hot Cars

On an 85° day, your car can heat up to over 120° in less than 30 minutes. Contrary to some assumptions, cracked windows and parking in the shade don't provide measurable relief. And pets in carriers can overheat even in an air conditioned car. On a hot day, it's always safest to leave your pet at home.

What should you do if you see a pet in a hot car? Act quickly. Write down the details of the vehicle - make, model, and license plate number. If there are businesses nearby, ask them to announce to their patrons to help find the owner. If that doesn't work, call 311 or your local Animal Control agency. If the animal is in immediate distress (excessive panting, dark or purple tongue, lethargic or unresponsive, anxious behavior, attempting to escape the vehicle, loss of bowels) call 911.

Should you break a window to save a pet? It's important to know the law. In Washington State, law enforcement and animal control agencies are protected from civil liability, civilians are not. If you break into a car to save an animal, you may face legal or financial penalties for the damage to the vehicle. Also consider that a dog in a vehicle may not react well to the intrusion and you could be injured.

Hot Pavement

Walks are part of a routine for many dogs, and unless temperatures are dangerously high, you can still walk your dog on hot days as long as you take some precautions. On hot days, walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are lower. Take short walks and always carry water to keep your dog hydrated. When possible, walk your dog on grass or dirt and avoid pavement, sidewalks and even sand - the sun can quickly heat up these surfaces.

Remember: if it's too hot for your bare hand or foot, it's too hot for your dog's feet.

Signs of burned pads can include: limping, licking or chewing pads and paws, discoloration of pads, blisters, redness or missing skin. If you see any of these signs, immediately flush the area gently with cool, clean water.

Caring for burned pads: Immediately contact your veterinarian if your pet's pads are damaged by a hot surface. Keep the dog from licking the wounds. For minor burns or blistering apply an antibacterial ointment and wrap the affected area with a loose bandage. Serious burns require immediate medical attention, take your dog to your local veterinarian or emergency pet hospital.

Heatstroke in Pets

Signs of heatstroke include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, collapse and unconsciousness.

If you suspect heatstroke in your pet:

• Immediately move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
• Apply cool water-soaked towels to the head, neck, and chest. Offer cool water to drink.
• Avoid shock - never use ice or ice-cold water to cool down an overheated dog.
• Take your pet directly to a veterinarian.

Even light activity can cause your pet to overheat. Animals are at particular risk for heat stroke if they are: very old or very young, overweight and/or not conditioned to prolonged exercise, have heart or respiratory disease. 

Special Care for Older Pets and Certain Breeds

Warmer weather can have a more serious impact on certain breeds of animals. Animals with flat faces are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. Owners of flat-faced breeds (boxer, pug, shih tzu, Persian cats, and other breeds with short muzzles) should take extra care to keep their pet cool and limit exercise during hot weather. Additionally, pets who are elderly, overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases should be monitored closely with light activity during hot weather.

Other Summer Season Hazards

Summer safety extends beyond weather and heat - consider the following to make sure you put safety first this summer.

• Foxtails: Grass awns, also known as foxtails, look harmless as you pluck them off your dog’s coat, but these seed pods can penetrate your dog's skin and then slowly work their way deeper into the tissue. They often end up between dog toes, making their way into the paw itself, but they can also affect a dog's nose, ears, eyes, and mouth. Embedded foxtails can cause discharge, abscesses, swelling, pain, and even death. Keep grass awns off your dog by mowing your lawn regularly and avoiding tall grasses on walks. Click here to learn more about foxtails.
• Parasites: Summer months can see an uptick in fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Keep your pet healthy with the appropriate preventative treatments. Speak with your family vet for more information.
• Outdoor adventures: Summers are legendary in the Pacific Northwest. Hikes, trips to the coast, days at the river, or just enjoying time with your dog at your neighborhood pub... there's no shortage of opportunities to get out and enjoy the season. But this also means increased opportunities to become separated from your pet. Make sure your pet is licensed and microchipped to increase the likelihood you'll be reunited if your pet becomes lost.

Dog Training at HSSW

You deserve the best possible relationship with your dog. Whether you're working on basic manners for your adult dog or helping your newly-adopted puppy start out on the right paw, our dog training classes are here to help. Classes begin June 24 and enrollment is now open! 

Training is essential to ensure your pet is a well-behaved member of our community, and it's also a critical tool that can help resolve problematic behaviors and prevent the need to rehome your pet. Classes at HSSW utilize scientifically-based positive reinforcement training methods to shape behavior. Rewarding and reinforcing desired behavior makes your dog's learning experience enjoyable and helps build a trusting and respectful relationship between you and your dog. 

About our Trainer

Cierra Silva, CPDT-KA, CCFC, AKC CGC Evaluator 

We are thrilled to welcome Cierra Silva to our team. Cierra is a skilled trainer and has been working with HSSW for several months providing support to families who need training assistance to resolve behaviors that may result in rehoming.

Cierra is a passionate animal advocate who specializes in dog behavior, training, and care. She has more than a decade of experience training, managing dog kennels and fostering/volunteering for local rescues.

Cierra takes a positive approach to training with an emphasis on relationship building, confidence building, and proper socialization. She has experience with a variety of breeds and temperaments, and is committed to learning and spreading awareness about the power of positive, science-based dog training.

Available Classes

• Basic Manners - Whether your dog is new to your home or a long-standing member of the household, this class will provide the training foundation your dog needs. This five-session class focuses on everyday life skills for adult dogs like sit/down/stay, recall, loose-leash and heel walking, greeting other dogs and people, and more.
• Reactive Rover - Reduce your dog's reactivity in stressful environments. This five-session class focuses on training basic manners for reactive dogs, and provides guidance for focus activities like touch and eye contact. Handlers will learn how to identify their dog's stress cues and advocate for their reactive dogs.
• Private Training - Some dogs do best without the distractions that come along with a group training class. Private training is available to help them succeed in their training journey. Sessions provide support for a variety of behaviors and training needs. 
• Puppy Kindergarten - Help your puppy get an early start on their training journey. This five-session class includes basic manners, targeting skills, recall, loose-leash walking, and other everyday life skills. Your pup will socialize with other puppies as you lay the foundation for learning in a manner that will foster trust, confidence, and a loving bond with your new best friend. (For puppies 17-24 weeks old.)
• Puppy Preschool - It's playtime! Your young puppy isn't ready for training yet, but socialization is critical for their development. This drop-in class provides controlled exposure to new sights, sounds, and objects, helping your puppy develop confidence while they play and socialize with other puppies. Families will also learn how to help their puppies thrive in their big, new world! (For puppies 9-16 weeks old.) 

Class Location

Thanks to our partners at Wellhaven Pet Health, we offer training classes in a convenient location with ample space. All classes are held at the HSSW Behavior and Training Center at Wellhaven Pet Health on Mill Plain.

906 SE 164th Avenue, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98683

Register for Training Classes

Classes begin June 24 and registration is now open! Learn more about classes and sign up on our website. Join us and start on your journey to a more harmonious and joyful relationship with your dog.

More Information

July 4

Fireworks are illegal in the City of Vancouver and their use is restricted in other areas outside of the City. But even with these restrictions, there are still plenty of bangs and pops around our community over July 4. For pets (and people!) this can be a stressful time. Make sure you're keeping your pet safe this holiday season with our July 4th safety tips.

Tips for Nervous Pets

• Bring pets into the most interior room in your house, away from doors and windows. Give them a place to hide, whether that’s behind your legs, in a crate, under furniture, or in a cozy cave you create with blankets and pillows.
• Have a movie night, and muffle the noise with the TV turned up.
• If your pet is a flight risk, be sure to contain them securely and safely in a room or crate where they cannot escape.
• If practical, travel out of town with your pet to an area that may have fewer fireworks.
• Prior to the holiday, seek your veterinarian’s advice for medication if your pet’s fear is extreme and causes them discomfort and anxiety.

License and Microchip your Pet

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Prepare now for the potential your pet could become separated from you. Ensure your pets have accurate identification like ID tags and microchips. You can microchip your pet with your family vet or at a number of clinics in our community including mobile clinics with Good Neighbor Vet. 

In Clark County and its inclusive cities, it is required by law that owned cats and dogs are licensed. But licensing isn't just the law, it's an essential tool for reuniting your pet if they become separated from you. Learn more about licensing at Clark County's Pet Licensing page or call 564.394.2489.

HSSW Lost & Found Pet Resources

HSSW Adoptions are closed July 4, but our Admissions department is open until 4:00 to help with lost and found pet needs. Make sure you know how to respond if your pet gets lost, and find more information about resources - visit our Lost & Found Resources page.