Keeping your pets safe from the incoming heat wave

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — For residents with pets looking to beat the heat, only service animals are allowed inside the cooling facilities.

But it’s just as vital to keep our pets safe from the extreme heat.

A heat wave is on the way here in Rhode Island, especially if you’re away from the coast.

And while it’s not too hard for us to get out of the sun, ABC 6 has a few tips to keep our furry friends safe too.

It’s going to be a “ruff” few days for pet owners as the heat continues to tick up, and dog owners in the Capitol city are keeping an eye out.

“I took him out on a day like today, and he was not himself. And I was concerned I had to take him to a clinic in East Greenwich,” Pedro Gonzalez told ABC 6 news, alongside his Huskey, Turbo.

“So, usually I can bring him around the neighborhood, but when there’s a heat wave, just five minutes and I can tell the difference. He’s panting a lot and just the heat of the pavement is really hot for his paws.” said Cesar Lopez, alongside his Huskey, Geralt.

The tips to keep pets safe are similar to people.

Keep them in the shade when you can, make sure they’re hydrated, and broadly try to stay out of the sun.

“For her, what I do is we just get out before the heat really hits. So, it’s waking up early, going for an early walk, or to the dog park. If it’s really hot, even in the morning, I just hose her down over here. We have some friends with some beach and just get her in the water there. But generally, at the height of the heat, we just don’t go outside.” said Sam Lindsay with her Great Dane, Reno.

Dog owners our ABC6 News crews spoke with even have some special tricks they use to beat the heat.

“I wet her belly, so I get her belly wet with cold water, and I get her paws wet with cold water.” said Lindsay.

“Ice in their water, and sometimes I have like ice packs that I put in their doggy bed so he can just like cool off.” said Lopez.

“Plenty of water, and I also give him watermelon.” said Gonzalez.