Hot Weather Alert for Pets from Lollypop Farm

Fairport, N.Y. – As temperatures are expected to soar over the next week, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, is warning pet owners of the dangers heat can pose to our pets. Here are some tips to help keep pets safe:

• Provide pets with plenty of clean water and shade. Bring them inside where it is cooler whenever possible. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse. Animals who live outdoors should have access to cool water and shade at all times.

• ​N​ever leave a pet in a parked car. On a hot day, the inside of a car can turn into a furnace in minutes, even with the windows open. If you see a pet in a parked car in hot weather, call Lollypop Farm’s Humane Law Enforcement and 911 immediately. Notify store managers or security guards nearby. Ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner and that the dog left in the car needs help.

• Limit pet exercise or restrict it to the early morning or late evening. Avoid the midday hours when the sun and heat are at their hottest. Extra care should also be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, overweight animals, and those with thick coats.​

• When walking a pet, avoid the pavement. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn pets’ paws, so walk on the grass or dirt when possible.

• Watch pets for signs of heatstroke. Extreme hot temperatures can cause life-threatening heat stroke. Symptoms may include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, difficulty breathing, drooling, weakness, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and unconsciousness. If a pet exhibits any of these symptoms, move them to the shade or an air-conditioned area immediately. Apply cold towels or ice packs to their head, neck, and chest, or run cool water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cold water or lick ice cubes. Take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

If a pet is suffering from heat-related stress and animal cruelty is suspected, contact the Lollypop Farm Animal Cruelty Hotline at (585) 223-6500 or dial 911.

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About Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. The Humane Society is committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach, and the prevention of cruelty. With a main campus in Fairport and four other adoption centers throughout the community, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported solely through contributions, grants, investments, proceeds from retail sales, and fees for programs and services. For more information and to meet adoptable animals, please visit www.lollypop.org.