Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

BEAT THE HEAT

Pet health becoming an increasing concern due to scorching BC Interior weather

Aug 26, 2025 | 4:56 PM

KAMLOOPS – The heat warning temperatures this week can be extremely dangerous to all pets.

As heat warnings persist throughout the week, being mindful of pet and animal health is vital. Ensuring they have plenty of water, walking them during the morning or evening, and keeping them in cool spaces can be effective in combating the heat.

“The best thing to do for your pets, to keep them safe and to avoid any heat stress, is to take them for their activities early in the morning or late in the evening. When it’s not as hot out. Taking them for a walk in the middle of the day on the pavement is not a great idea,” said Daria Evans, the community animal centre manager at the Kamloops SPCA.

Many pet owners head to Pioneer Park to let their furry friends cool off in the river.

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“Thank God for the River. I will also let her sit in the backyard and under any random tree, but I take her for a walk, early in the morning, and then bring her here, and then in the evening,” said Maria Horak, owner of a dog named Gigi.

“We do lots of coming to the river to swim. We live out in Westsyde, so lots of swimming and playing with other dogs in the water,” said Patty Laidlaw

“Honestly, the best way is to keep them inside or come out when its not at it’s hottest. When I do take her outside, I’ll take her somewhere like this, into the river.I also have a little cooling vest,” said Karana Pry, owner of Ripley.

“She stays in the house where it’s cool and then we go for lots of walks, mostly in the morning and at night,” said Joanna Abdou, Fiests owner.

The BC SPCA wants owners to look out for unusual signs in their pets, for example, dogs becoming lethargic and cats panting.

“If you’re feeling the heat, make sure that you’re checking on your pets as well, making sure they’ve got access to clean drinking water, shade, somewhere that they can cool down and really, please, please, please, no leaving your dogs in the car,” said Evans.

More information about pet safety can be found on the BC SPCA website, and if there are any issues with pets, contact a vet immediately.