‘Be mindful': As temperature rises, best practices are key to keep pets safe
WEST GOSHEN - Dogs offer unconditional love. As humans have evolved, so have canines, known as man's best friend and lauded for generation's as people's loyal companions.
And with the heat rising as the first day of summer approaches on June 21, advocates are sounding an alarm to remind everyone that it is essential to be mindful of their furry loved one's well-being.
"We encourage pet owners to take special care as temperatures rise for the health and safety of their beloved pets," said Adam Lamb, chief executive officer of the Brandywine Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in West Goshen. "Walks should be kept short, remember that pavement can get scorching hot on your pet's paws, and never leave a pet in a car, as temperatures rise to deadly levels in just minutes."
That SPCA chapter was founded in 1929. The organization is also known as Chester County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Today, Brandywine Valley SPCA operates shelters across the Mid-Atlantic, with adoptions taking place at more than a dozen locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Washington, D.C. The nonprofit's headquarters is in West Goshen.
"As we enter summer and temperatures begin to rise, it's important to remember that our pets are not immune to the heat and we need to take extra precautions to protect our furry friends," said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-19, of West Chester.
"Through Libre's Law, which I proudly voted for as a member of the state House, we have enhanced protections for dogs in Pennsylvania so our pets are not spending too much time in extreme temperatures," the senator said.
"We all want to make sure our pets are safe, so as we enter the hottest months of the year, I want to remind dog owners to never leave your dog in a locked car alone without air conditioning," Comitta said.
Further, "be mindful of hot asphalt that could potentially burn paws, and do not leave a dog tethered outside in extreme heat for extended periods."
Sara Smith, Brandywine Valley SPCA senior director of marketing and communications, encouraged folks to take extra steps to ensure their furry family members stay cool in the summer heat. For dogs, she advised:
* Keep walks short, and be especially careful with puppies, seniors, and dogs with "flat" faces like pugs and bulldogs, as they can't cool as efficiently.
* Use caution on pavement, which heats rapidly and can cause blistering on their paw pads.
* When outdoors, let animals have access to shade and ample cool water.
* Watch for signs of heat stroke: rapid panting, weakness, bright tongue color, thick saliva, and possibly vomiting. If observed, apply cool water over the body, give small drinks of cool water, and take your dog to the vet.
* Never leave a pet alone in the car, since temperatures escalate to fatal levels quickly, even in the shade with windows down.
"When outdoors, make sure animals have access to shade and ample cool water," Smith said on Friday as temperatures hit 90 degrees. Nearby for some Delaware County residents, the temperature climbed to 93 degrees in the Glen Riddle hub of Middletown and in Tinicum Township.
"Even on mild days with the windows cracked, the inside of a vehicle can heat up by almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, putting your pet at fatal risk for heatstroke," Smith said.
When it is 80 degrees outside, the inside of one's car can climb to 114 degrees in just 30 minutes, she added.
She also shared key tips for keeping cats safe during the upcoming dogs days of summer, and during the spring and fall when temperatures can not only be warm but dangerous for pets when compounded with humidity. For cats, Smith advised:
* Provide plenty of shade for cats who spend time outdoors. When the weather is excessively hot, it's best to keep your cat indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
* Provide fresh, cool water to ensure your cat stays hydrated. Try a fountain, or adding water to their food if they aren't drinking enough.
* Place a cooling mat in your cat's bed as a great way to help them stay cool, but cozy.
There are more than 1,000 adoptable cats and dogs ready for their forever homes across the Brandywine Valley SPCA's 13 shelters.
Since its inception, "the Brandywine Valley SPCA welcomed more than 27,000 animals across our entire footprint, with a 94% live release rate, which means 94% of the animals who came in were placed," Smith said.
As of April, the organization has welcomed more than 10,000 animals while holding a 94% live release rate, Smith added.
Community support is key for protecting vulnerable puppies, dogs, kittens and cats especially during dangerous, extreme weather conditions.
"We can't do this work without the support of our community," Smith noted. "We invite folks to adopt, foster, volunteer or support our work by making a donation."
Brandywine Valley SPCA is holding a Mega Adoption Event on June 20 and June 21 at the Bob Carpenter Center, 631 S. College Ave., in Newark, Delaware. The facility is located within the University of Delaware's campus.
"Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car during the summer," Smith said.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.