07/01/2026
Here's a ready-to-use public alert you can post on social media, your website, or as a flyer:
# 🚨 HOT WEATHER ALERT – HEAT WAVE SAFETY FOR PETS 🐾
**A heat wave is expected in our area. Please take extra precautions to keep your pets safe.**
# # # 🌞 Protect Your Pets:
* **Never leave pets in a parked vehicle**—even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can become deadly very quickly. ([American Red Cross][1])
* **Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening** when temperatures are cooler.
* **Check the pavement before every walk.** If it's too hot for the back of your hand for 5–7 seconds, it's too hot for your pet's paws. ([Southern Living][2])
* Provide **plenty of fresh, cool water** and access to **shade or air conditioning** at all times.
* Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
# # # ⚠️ Signs of Heatstroke:
* Excessive panting or drooling
* Weakness or lethargy
* Vomiting or diarrhea
* Difficulty breathing
* Collapse or seizures
If your pet shows any of these signs, **move them to a cool area, begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and seek veterinary care immediately.** ([American Red Cross][1])
# # # 📞 Need Assistance?
**Westport Animal Control**
**Phone:** **774-264-5129**
**Westport Police -508-636-1122
Help keep our furry family members safe during this heat wave. A few simple precautions can save a life.
