Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion Prevention

Provide adequate shade and ventilation for outside dogs. Shelter them from the sun. If enclosed, provide adequate ventilation.

Provide free access to water on warm days (ideally water should be kept out of direct sunlight).

If your home is not air-conditioned, open windows for ventilation. If you close all of your windows for security (or your dog’s safety) make sure the room is well ventilated and drapes are closed against the sunlight. If you keep your pet in a crate, make sure the crate has adequate airflow (wire crates are better than airline kennels in this situation).

Do not have your dog accompany you in the car when on errands in warm months.

If you have to leave your dog in a car, park in the shade and keep windows open for ventilation (safety could be an issue here as well; will your dog jump out or could someone bother your dog in the parked car). If you park in the shade check on your dog frequently as the sun can move and so will the shade. If your errand is longer than a minute or two the temperature in your car can soar rapidly.