Keeping Your Pet Safe in Summer Weather
Lolly
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.
Nolan
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.
Featured Dog- Lolly
Lolly was found as a stray. She is a friendly people loving dog. She will need training and also work with her basic manners. She likes to sit with the volunteers and snuggle or just be beside them when out in the exercise yard.
Other available dogs:
Harry young Chihuahua very friendly. Likes everyone.
Blossom Chihuahua female. Loves people
Nipsy 7 month Maltese poodle. Soft and cuddly. Needs basic training.
Featured Cat: Nolan
Nolan is 2-3 months old. He was found as a stray. He is full of energy and loves to play with toys. He can keep himself entertained or he just wants to be held and petted. He is used to being with other kittens/cats.
Other available cats:
Abby declawed front and back. She needs to be the only cat in the home where she gets all the attention or just be off by herself taking it easy.
All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.
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 changed 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
