Today’s humidex values are going to be in the high twenties or low thirties for most of the province, and people are being advised to protect pets from the heat.
Dr. Liam Shea, a veterinary associate with the Torbay Road Animal Hospital, says that they tend to see an uptake in cases when the weather gets warmer.
For indoor animals it is best to keep them in a well ventilated part of the home so they don’t overheat. This is especially true for pets in glass or plastic enclosures such as reptiles, as it can create a greenhouse effect and heat up very quickly.
Shea says it is okay to take animals outside, it just depends on the time of day.
He says morning and evening are ideal times to have pets outside. If you do have your pet out, it is important to keep an eye on them. He says dogs need access to water, and if they become lethargic, to get them into some shade or inside.
Shea has one other piece of advice for pet owners amid the hot and humid conditions, never leave your pets in a car during hot weather.