September Heat Wave 2015: How To Keep Your Pet Safe, Including Ice Water Rumor For Dogs

Dog — Summer unofficially ended after Labor Day, but the sun is still blazing. There are several things concerned owners can do to keep their pets safe during the September heat. Getty Images

With the end of Labor Day Weekend, summer has unofficially ended -- but try telling that to the sun. Areas throughout the nation are experiencing a September heat wave that led some Connecticut schools to close early because of the record-breaking heat. With kids heading home early because of the extra-hot weather, what about pets? There are several tips concerned owners can follow to make sure their pets are safe during this abnormally warm time of year. Check them out below, courtesy of Pet Finder and the Humane Society.

1. Keep an eye out. Pets could be at risk of heatstroke. If symptoms, like drooling, fever, lethargy, vomiting and collapse occur, take the animal to the doctor as soon as possible.

2. Don’t leave an animal alone in a car. It’s too hot to risk it, even if the windows are open a crack.

3. Let them cool off. Offer a way for your pet to catch some breeze. If air-conditioning can’t be turned on, leave a fan in a place where the animal can get some relief.

4. Leave a refreshing snack. Try freezing some peanut butter or their favorite safe snack.

5. Walk pets in the morning or evening. Since it can be too hot at midday, a stroll at dusk or dawn will help animals stay cool.

6. Don’t forget to brush. Keeping a pet’s coat clean and untangled will help the animal stay cool.

7. Always have plenty of ice water. Leave extra if possible.

Bonus: Isn’t ice water unsafe for dogs? There’s a rumor about ice water being unhealthy for dogs, but it’s not true. Last year, a phony story claimed that ice cubes in water would cause a pooch’s stomach to bloat and could possibly lead to death; the unsubstantiated claim has been circulating the Internet since 2007.

In June 2014, veterinarian Dr. Andrew Roark, who practices at Cleveland Park Animal Hospital in Greenville, S.C., said it was safe to allow dogs to drink ice water. “There is no proven link between drinking ice water and getting gastric cramping,” Roark said. “There is also no link between drinking ice water and getting [sick].”