Pets Are In Big Time Danger This Summer

This summer weather has been especially brutal on all of us. The temperatures and humidity have been some of the highest measured in many years. With the heat indices soaring into the 100s, it has been dangerous to even be outdoors.

New York City Hit With Stifling Record Heat

Now couple all that heat with the smoke from Canadian forest fires drifting down to Michigan, and it is a very tough time. Stunningly, the Air Quality Index has measured over 600 today, Thursday, July 16. That is the highest ever recorded. The other highest was in 2024 at 250 +. Yikes.

Young man screaming in despair surrounded with smoke.

👇BELOW: EIGHT WAYS TO SURVIVE OUR BRUTAL HEAT THIS SUMMER!👇

But, have you thought about your pets? They are in just as much health danger as the rest of us.

Jack russell dog looking out car window on summer. traveling with pets and road trip concept

The Humane Society of West Michigan has sent out an urgent plea for all of us to be extra careful to help our "furry friends" with this awful stretch of weather we are going through.

The Humane Society says that when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, it's important to take extra precautions to protect your furry family members.

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Here are some practical tips to help keep your pets safe during periods of hazardous air quality:

• Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
• Keep potty breaks short.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use indoor enrichment activities to keep pets active, such as puzzle feeders, KONGs, and interactive toys.
• If your pet shows signs of smoke exposure, such as itchy eyes or throat, coughing, gagging, or rapid breathing, contact your veterinarian promptly.

This is going to be a tough weather stretch for all of us, so be careful, and keep yourself indoors as much as possible! We will survive!