By Talbot Humane
Easton, MD - As temperatures continue to climb across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the animal care professionals at Talbot Humane are reminding pet families that a little planning can go a long way toward preventing heat-related emergencies for companion animals.
While many families look forward to spending more time outdoors during the summer, hot weather can become dangerous for pets much faster than people realize. Dogs, cats, and other companion animals are less able to regulate their body temperature than humans, making them especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
“Our team sees firsthand how quickly heat can become life-threatening for pets,” said Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, CAWA, executive director of Talbot Humane.
“One of the most important parts of our mission is sharing trusted information that helps families keep their animals safe, healthy, and at home,” she says. “We want our community to enjoy summer with their pets while understanding the simple precautions that can prevent a tragedy.”
The Talbot Humane team of experts recommends the following summer safety tips for pets:
- Never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly very quickly, even with windows partially open.
- Walk dogs during the cooler morning or evening hours.
- Check pavement before heading out. If it’s too hot for the back of your hand for several seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
- Provide fresh, cool drinking water at all times.
- Make sure pets have access to shade whenever they are outdoors.
- Limit strenuous exercise during periods of high heat and humidity.
- Closely monitor puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with chronic health conditions, as they are at greater risk of overheating.
- Pay extra attention to flat-faced breeds, including Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Persian cats, which have greater difficulty cooling themselves.
- Maintain regular grooming to help pets stay comfortable during warmer months.
Knowing the warning signs of heatstroke can also save a pet’s life. Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet experiences:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Heavy drooling
- Bright red or unusually pale gums
- Weakness or lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Collapse or unconsciousness
If heatstroke is suspected, move the pet to a cool, shaded location, offer small amounts of cool water, and apply cool, wet towels while arranging immediate veterinary care. Avoid using ice water, which can interfere with the body’s natural cooling process.
According to Quimby-Crankshaw, education is one of the most important services Talbot Humane provides to the community.
“Our team includes experienced animal care professionals who are always happy to answer questions about responsible pet care, seasonal safety, behavior, nutrition, and other topics that help strengthen the bond between people and their pets,” she said. “Whether someone adopted from us years ago or simply wants reliable guidance, we’re here to help.”
As Talbot County’s only open-admission animal shelter, Talbot Humane provides sheltering, adoption services, lost-and-found assistance, humane education, pet retention resources, community outreach, and programs that support both animals and the people who love them.
Through its mission of connecting animals, people, and community, Talbot Humane works every day toward its vision that the best shelter is a humane community.
Community members seeking pet care advice, information about available programs, volunteer opportunities, or adoptable animals are encouraged to visit www.talbothumane.org or contact Talbot Humane directly. The organization’s knowledgeable staff is available year-round to provide guidance and connect pet families with helpful resources.
For more information, visit www.talbothumane.org or call 410-822-0107.
