The high temperatures and increased humidity levels predicted for the next few days create dangerous conditions for our animal friends. Please take special care to make your pet is safe and comfortable.

• Animals must have plenty of fresh water at all times. Be sure your dog can’t turn over his water bucket. Check on cattle, horses, and other livestock as well.
• Be sure your animal can get to a shady area. A doghouse isn’t enough – pets must be able to get into shade if kept outdoors. Horses and cattle need to get out of the sun, too. Be sure to provide a loafing shed or overhang to create shade for livestock.
• Take your pet inside if possible. With a heat index over 100 degrees, pets will do better inside with air conditioning. Another possible solution is to put your pet in a cool area of your house like a basement.
• Hose down horses or livestock to provide some relief from the heat.
• If your pet begins to show signs of distress (excessive panting, lethargy, unresponsive), seek veterinary care immediately. Call your veterinarian for advice on how to bring your pet’s body temperature down while you transport him to the veterinary office.
• And leave your pet at home, not in your car! The temperature in a car in this type of weather can reach dangerous levels within minutes, threatening animals inside with heat stroke or death.

Animal Control Officers will be responding to calls for animals in distress or at risk from the weather conditions. Pet owners who fail to provide proper care may receive fines between $50 and $500 for violations. If you see an animal in distress, please call Peoria County Animal Protection Services (309) 672-2440 or the Emergency Communications Center (309) 674-3131 immediately.