HOT CARS DEADLY FOR PETS

Pet owners should not leave their animal in the car – even for a few minutes – when the hot weather arrives. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Pet owners are urged to refrain from leaving animals in the car, even with the windows cracked open.

Did you know that leaving a pet in a car on a warm day can be fatal? Pets can suffer brain damage or die of heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Every year thousands of pets suffer because they can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their foot pads.

Pets may be at risk for heatstroke if they exhibiting some or all of the following signs of distress:

  • Restlessness
  • Excessive thirst
  • Heavy panting
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Darkened tongue
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Drooling
  • Glassy eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of coordination

Pets at greatest risk of heatstroke are young pets, elderly pets, overweight pets, pets with shortened muzzles (pugs, boxers, etc.), and those with thick or dark coats.

If a pet shows these symptoms, he should be brought into the shade immediately and you should contact your veterinarian. You may be advised to provide small amounts of water to drink, apply a cold towel or icepack to the pet’s head, neck or chest, or immerse your dog in lukewarm water to begin lowering his body temperature prior to transport to the hospital.

If you do see a pet in distress, take down the car’s color, make, model and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the nearest buildings or call the police/local animal control. Don’t leave the scene until the situation has been resolved. Be a part of the solution and get involved.

Mesquite City Ordinance 10-5-6 B It is unlawful for any person to confine an animal in a motor vehicle under conditions or for such a period of time as may endanger the health of such animal due to heat, cold, lack of food or water or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering. Total bail $500.00

Featured dog- Gizmo M 1 year old Dachshund/heeler/Jack Russell blendGizmo

My name is Gizmo. I am a very inventive boy and I can turn any ordinary day into an adventure. I would be thrilled to accompany my new pet-parents on their athletic pursuits and outdoor adventures. I am always on the go, so I hope you are active like me! I would like going on runs, hikes, or long walks in the neighborhood. I’m a lovable companion seeking a special home where I’ll be a cherished member of the family. Gizmo had a family that moved and could not take him with them. He is learning to walk on a leash. He loves to sit on your lap and cuddle. He does have some separation issues so it would be better if there were people at his home most of the time until he understands he is not being left alone.

Toby 1Featured Cat- Toby M 2 year old gray tabby with white markings

My shelter name is Toby and I have only been here a few weeks, but it seems like forever. How did a very large, very handsome, cat wind up as a stray? I thought that I had a home and family that loved me once. I will never understand why they did not come to take me home and that now I have to be in a cage. I was found on the street and brought to the shelter. It would seem that I am not too fond of other cats; he will play with toys but prefers to sit on top of the kennels watching everything going on around him and just prefer to soak up all of the love and attention for himself. I Toby is one laid back cat. He has supervisor written all over his personality.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER