Health Enrichment for Low-income Pets

06/17/2026

06/14/2026

With temperatures climbing this weekend, we wanted to share a friendly reminder to keep your pets safe in the heat.

Dogs can overheat much faster than we realize. A quick trip in the car, a midday walk, or hot pavement can turn dangerous in a matter of minutes.

A few things to remember:
-Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, even with the windows cracked.
-Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
-Always provide access to fresh, cool water and shade.
-Check pavement before walks. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
-Watch for signs of heat stress including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, weakness, or disorientation.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move them to a cool area, offer water, and seek veterinary care immediately.

We love seeing your adventures with your pets, but on hot days the safest place for many of them may be indoors enjoying the air conditioning.

How are your pets staying cool this weekend? Share a photo in the comments. 🐾

06/13/2026

Don’t leave pets in vehicles during hot weather

Eugene Police and Eugene Animal Services is urging people to not leave their pets unattended inside a vehicle, even for a just few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, easily causing an animal to experience heat stroke or brain damage, even with windows slightly open and the vehicle parked under shade. It is important to note animals do not have to experience distress or heat stroke for a person to be cited for animal neglect. To help investigate cases of animal neglect, the animal welfare officers and police officers are all equipped with digital thermometers.
• Heatstroke symptoms can include: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, consult your veterinarian right away.
• If you notice an animal in distress or unresponsive in a parked car, call 911. If an animal is not in distress and it is quicker to locate the owner you may consider that in addition to calling for help.
• Please take additional precautions to keep your pets safe at home or when traveling.
· Make sure pets have access to water bowls full of cool, fresh water.
· Keep pets inside during the heat of the day; do not leave them outside unattended. Dogs should not ride in uncovered pickup truck beds. The hot metal truck bed can burn your pet’s paw pads.
· When pets are outside, be sure to provide shaded areas for them to rest in and invest in a misting hose or kiddie pool for a cool place for your pets to play.
· Limit or skip on exercise and time at the dog park during the heat of the day.
· Always test the pavement or sand with your hand before setting out (too hot to touch is too hot for your pet), walk early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler, carry water and take frequent breaks in shady spots. If you suspect your pet’s paws have been burned, contact your vet immediately.