Keeping Your Pet Safe in Summer Weather
Many people feel that it is safe to take their pet along for a short trip to the store, post office, or some other quick ride in the car. This occurs even though everyone knows that the inside of a car on a hot summer’s day can be lethal.
Dogs and cats only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. This way to control body heat is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is confined to close quarters. Overweight animals have extra layers of fat that act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities. Older pets may have health problems while very young animal’s temperature regulation system is not fully developed.
A car can become a death trap even on a mild sunny day with temperatures skyrocketing after just a few minutes. Cracking the car window doesn’t do the job in providing relief in this heat. Never leave your pets inside the car, if they cannot come with you when you get out of the car, leave them at home. In many states, it’s against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner than endangers the health or safety of the animal.
Leaving an animal outdoors without shelter is just as dangerous as leaving them inside the car. Be sure they are not left in a cage in the hot sun, on a chain in the backyard, or outdoors in a run without sufficient shade and air ventilation.
Additional safety tips for pets this summer:
Make sure your pet has access to plenty of cool, fresh water 24- hours a day.
Outside pets need shaded and well-ventilated area.
Provide exercise early in the morning or late in the evening during the coolest part of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days.
Remember that asphalt can get hot enough to burn your pet’s paws. Walk your pet on the grass or dirt where it is cooler.
Keep pets off lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours or to time specified on the package instructions.
All animals should have proper identification tags at all times.
Never leave your animal unattended in direct sunlight.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Even with treatment, heatstroke can be fatal to the animal. The best cure is prevention.
Signs of heatstroke
Heavy panting
Staring or glazed eyes,
Rapid heartbeat
Restlessness, anxious expression
Refusal to obey commands
High fever
Profuse salivation
Vomiting
A deep red or purple tongue
Collapse or unconsciousness.
Follow these tips, and it could save a life
Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
Lower the animal’s body temperature by applying ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck, and chest or immerse the animal in cool (not cold) water.
Let him/her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
Take him/her directly to a veterinarian.
Keeping your pets safe in the heat is a primary concern during the summer months.
Have a wonderful summer.
Featured dogs: Rachel and Monica 9mo-1year Chihuahua/terrier blend
Rachel and Monica can’t wait to have a family who will love them. They are learning how to be the very best little dogs they can be for their new family. They came to the shelter together after being found alone in the street. Young, attractive pups seeking new family – must like having fun, going for walks, kisses and cuddles. If that suits you, they would love to meet you! They are doing well with learning to walk on a leash and just love people. Rachel is the lighter color. Look at the smiles on their faces. They have been spayed and are current on rabies and first vaccination. They can go alone or together to their new home. We know you will love these girls .
Other available dogs:
Gracie- Female 9 month pitbull. Freckles on her nose. Very active
Carly- Female 1 year Chihuahua/pug Very friendly and loveable
Mika- Female under a year Chihuahua. Shy came to shelter due to owner allergies
Featrued cats: Tom and Jerry 3 month old male domestic short hair orange and white
Tom and Jerry were found abandoned together. They are a little shy but have started to show their loving kitten purr-sonalities. They are playing with toys and each other. They are very calm kittens and easily handled. Perfect together but also equally wonderful alone, we can picture these friendly, cuddly little guys fitting beautifully into almost any home.
Other available cats:
Sunny- large male gray/white tabby. Very friendly and outgoing
Sheba- 10 year old dilute calico Long hair needs to be the only cat in home. Loves to be brushed
Missy- 1 year old DECLAWED female tortoiseshell. Should be only cat in home.
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
