TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT:

• Drink plenty of cool water even before you feel thirsty
• Go to an air conditioned place
• Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella
• Reschedule or plan outdoor exercise (e.g. run, walk, bike) during the cooler parts of the day (morning or evening)
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity
• Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down
• Never leave a person or pet inside a parked car
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist on medications that increase your risk to heat
• Call, text or video chat at-risk family, friends or neighbours (especially older adults living alone) to make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids and keeping cool

TIPS TO PROTECT PETS IN THE HEAT:

If your pet is accidentally locked in your car, or you see a pet locked in a car, call 9-1-1. If you see a pet in distress due to the heat, call 311 IMMEDIATELY.

Pets are at the greatest risk of injury and heat-related health problems during the summer months. Follow these tips to keep your pet safe and cool:

Provide plenty of fresh water

Keep pets hydrated during hot weather by ensuring they always have access to fresh water, whether at home or on daily walks and outings. Pavement can burn the pads of paws so if it is too hot for you to walk on pavement, it is too hot for your dog as well.

Watch out for sunburn

Short-haired pets and those with pink skin or white hair are most likely to burn. Water, sand and rocks at the beach reflect sunlight – putting your pet at increased risk. To prevent sunburn, control your pet’s exposure to the sun by limiting the amount of time outdoors and providing shade.

Find a cool place

•  Use a fan or air-conditioning to keep your home cool.
• Provide shade outdoors.
• A gentle sprinkle from a garden hose is helpful to keep your pets cool.
• Never leave a pet unattended in hot weather on balconies or in unsheltered backyards. Dogs cannot stay in dog houses outside in hot weather because they have no protection from the heat.

Watch how much pets eat and exercise

• Overeating during hot weather can lead to overheating, so let your pets eat less during heat waves.
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.

Never leave your pet in a parked car

During the summer, as the outside air temperature increases, temperatures inside of a vehicle can quickly reach dangerously high levels. This is extremely dangerous to pets and puts them at risk of heat-related illnesses that can quickly lead to death. Slightly opening windows or parking in the shade DOES NOT prevent temperatures from rising to dangerous levels.

In hot weather, it’s kinder and safer for pets to stay at home. If you have to take a pet with you, carry a spare key to help avoid accidentally trapping your pet in the locked vehicle.

Watch for signs of heat stroke:

• rapid panting
• lots of drooling
• hot skin
• twitching muscles
• vomiting
• a dazed look

Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate intervention. Untreated, it can lead to death. Act quickly to cool down your pet by placing your pet in a shaded area, pouring cool water (not cold) over your pet and contacting a veterinarian immediately.

If you would be interested in playing badminton or board games, please send your name and phone number to the Centre at: [email protected]

We are looking for more players for these new programs. Maybe that is you! If you have a favourite board game, please include it in your email.

If you would like to include the Centre in your year end donations, you will receive a charitable tax receipt. You can send in a donation directly to the Centre by mail or you can use Canada Helps, under the Donate tab, on this website. An electronic donation receipt is automatically sent to you once your donation is completed.  Thank-you for thinking of us at this time.