Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles County is bracing for a triple-digit heatwave this week, compounded by red flag warnings in the mountains and foothills of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) offers essential tips to help keep pets safe during extreme heat and disasters.

A kiddie pool is a great way to cool off!

Protect your pets in hot weather:

• Hydration is key: Always provide plenty of clean, cool drinking water to prevent dehydration.
• Protection from the sun: Keep pets inside where it is cool. If, due to an extenuating circumstance, your pet must be outside, make sure they have well-ventilated shelter away from the sun and plenty of water in a tip-proof bowl.
• Emergency Care: If a pet is overcome by heat (detected by excessive panting, is heavily salivating, and/or immobile) immerse them slowly in cool water to lower their body temperature, then contact a veterinarian. Never immerse a pet in ice cold water, it may cause them shock.
• Keep Pets Groomed: Clip long or matted coats short to help your pet stay cool. Remember that pets, like people, can get sunburned and coats should not be TOO short.
• Health Check: Carefully go over your pet’s body at least once a week to check for fleas, ear mites and tiny bumps or cuts. Bring your pet to the vet for a summer check-up and use a good flea and tick repellent recommended by your vet.
• Exercise wisely: Exercise pets in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. Dog pads burn easily, so avoid hot surfaces such as asphalt on hot days.
• Identification: With the hotter weather, families and their pets are outside more often, increasing the chances of a pet getting lost. Make sure your pets always wear proper identification.
• Park your pet at home: Never leave your pet in a parked car, not even for a minute. It could cost them their life. On a hot day, the temperature in a parked car can soar to 160 degrees within minutes, even with the windows left slightly open.

Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners:

• Make a plan: Download the spcaLA Disaster Preparedness Checklist.
• ID and microchips: Ensure pets wear ID tags and are microchipped with up-to-date registration.
• Learn pet first aid: Familiarize yourself with pet CPR, resuscitation, and basic first aid. Emergency services may be delayed during disasters.
• Vaccinations: Keep pets current on vaccines. In emergencies, pets may be exposed to other animals and infectious diseases.
• Emergency contacts: Entrust a neighbor or friend to get your pets to safety, in case you are at work when a disaster strikes.
• Pet Alert signs: Display signs on doors and windows to inform responders that pets are inside.

Emergency Kit Essentials:

• Current photos of your pets, copies of vaccination records & veterinarian’s contact info.
• Collars, leashes & carriers for your pets.
• Pet food, bottled water, bowls, and can openers.
• Pet first aid kit and soft muzzle.
• Waste disposal supplies (baggies for dogs; litter, scooper, and disposable litter box for cats).
• Animal Evacuated sign (to alert responders that your animals are safely evacuated).

During a disaster, try to stay calm. If you display anxiety and stress, your pets will detect it. Stay safe, and remember: preparation saves lives.

Cooling centers are available throughout the city, with some allowing pets in carriers. For a list of cooling centers that allow pets, call 311 or visit emergency.lacity.org.